'Hostility has only escalated': Two Brampton councillors speak out about harassment they face on the job

Two Brampton councillors are speaking out about the harassment and sexism they've had to face while on the job, and say it's only getting worse. 

At a council meeting Wednesday, Coun. Rowena Santos and Coun. Navjit Kaur Brar made a presentation ahead of International Women's Day — which is on March 8 — saying they face harassment on a daily basis. 

The councillors say they are speaking out about the vitriol they experience to effect change, and to shine a light on the behaviour that women in politics are forced to endure. As an example, Santos pointed to former mayor of Gatineau, France Bélisle, who resigned last month because of what she called an "often hostile" work environment.

"The hostility has only escalated," Santos said. "As women in leadership roles, we're already working two to three times as hard just to constantly prove ourselves to other people."

Santos says she's also experienced some colleagues re-sharing online posts targeting her or laughing at them. She hasn't reported the incidents to the integrity commissioner because the reshares were not captured before they were deleted.

In January, Santos says, a handwritten letter addressed to her was delivered to city staff in which the sender complained about Brampton having only one hospital.

"You are a piece of garbage who deserves to be raped and killed," it read in part, she said.

Peel Police confirmed they are investigating that incident along with others reported by Santos.  

"It's scary," Santos told CBC Toronto. "Criticize my job, but do not threaten to rape and kill me."

During the 15-minute presentation, Santos gave examples such as being stalked to her car outside of city property, receiving emails where she was called "stupid," accusations of wanting sexual attention simply because she posted a picture on her social media and threatening messages referencing her son. The presentation was met with a standing ovation from the council. 

The incidents have prompted Santos's staff to maintain a "harassment folder" which contains 29 reports since it was created last month. On top of that, she says she's received dozens of Facebook messages since becoming a councillor from members of the public containing images of male genitalia.

"I can't even open my own Facebook. I get my male colleagues to look at the messages for me," Santos said.

Brar said during her presentation that she faces comments about her appearance and what she wears.  

"I have walked into rooms, into events, in public spaces, and felt overlooked, singled out, and even excluded," she said. "At the same events, I see my male colleagues seamlessly enter conversations and be introduced as stakeholders and be included without much effort on their part."