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Death threats, sexual harassment, sexism — female politicians in Peel, Halton speak out
Harassment affects 63 per cent of surveyed local politicians, with women facing identity-based abuse.
Brampton city councillor Rowena Santos said she has faced sexist treatment and serious threats to her physical safety during her time in office.
And according to several female politicians contacted in Peel and Halton regions — many seeking re-election in the Oct. 26 municipal election — her experience is neither unique nor an aberration.
“A couple of people threatened me and said that I deserve to be raped and killed,” said Santos, one of two female councillors on Brampton council.
The first Filipino person elected to Brampton council, she said her identity has also been a target of criticism. In one instance, a woman baselessly claimed that Santos’ Filipino background meant she was submissive to men and that her electoral success was the result of “sleeping her way to the top.”
2026 numbers from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) show that women account for 32 per cent of municipal candidates (2,103 of 6,663), up from 31 per cent (1,931 of 6,306) in 2022. This represents an increase of 172 female candidates, continuing an incremental rise in women’s representation on the ballot.
However, that increase has not necessarily translated into a more welcoming environment for all women.
Harassment widespread but different for women
While data from the 2025 Canadian Municipal Barometer shows that harassment is a widespread issue among elected officials, affecting 63 per cent of the 1,633 local politicians surveyed, the ways in which it manifests for women can be different in nature.
“When you look at the harassment and violence that’s directed to women and racialized candidates, violence tends to focus, not on who they are as politicians, but who they are as people,” said Dr. Erin Tolley, the Canada Research Chair in Gender, Race, and Inclusive Politics and associate professor in the department of political science at Carleton University, in an interview.
“It’s more likely to pinpoint their identities either as women or racialized or both.”
‘People show up at my house’: Caledon Mayor Annette Groves
Annette Groves, the mayor of Caledon who is not seeking re-election, said “some of the terms that people use on social media, the names they call us, they’re certainly not going to use the same description … or term for a male politician.
“I find people show up at my house. I don’t think you’d be showing up at a male person’s house. That is my private space where my family lives.”
Mississauga Coun. Natalie Hart on scrutiny of appearance
Natalie Hart, Mississauga’s Ward 5 councillor who is seeking re-election, has said that while running for office and serving as a councillor she was subject to sexist remarks as well.
“Shortly after I was elected there was a lot of commentary about the fact that the pictures that I’ve used on my signs didn’t accurately look enough like me. You still experience that at the doors where people will hold your flyer up to your face to see if it looks like you,” said Hart.
“You face a lot of scrutiny on your physical presentation. What you wear, how often you wear it, your weight, your age, your marital status, all of those things that are not necessarily a part of what it looks like as a male in these spaces.”
Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and the Elect Respect campaign
Marianne Meed Ward has been mayor of Burlington since 2018 and is also running for re-election. She too has been subject to gender-based discrimination and harassment, listing several unsettling incidents, including people:
- calling her office at city hall and making sexual references toward her
- threatening to set her on fire
- telling her she should be “strung up at city hall”
As well, she said she’s been threatened by people using profane and derogatory language specific toward women.
As soon as she went public with this story, she said the first comment she received was someone saying “weak women shouldn’t be in politics.”
Against the backdrop of this increasingly hostile political environment, Meed Ward began convening female elected representatives from across Halton Region, from school board trustees to members of parliament, to share their experiences as women in politics.
Twice a year this group of 25 women would get together, privately, for coffee to exchange stories and figure out ways to offer one another support.
At one of the meetings, she said someone asked, “if you had a daughter would you advise her to seek elected office?”
“All of us hesitated. And there was a time where I would have never hesitated,” she said.
“And then story after story came out … and every single person had a story of being threatened with bodily harm, and none of us had really talked about it with anyone. We had kept it private.”
The meeting of women in Halton led to the creation of the “Elect Respect” campaign, which brings together politicians from diverse backgrounds to call for more respectful and civil political discourse across the country, while recognizing that female elected officials may face heightened levels of intimidation.
Does harassment deter women from running?
Some female politicians believe that the unique treatment and threats women are subject to can deter them from entering the political arena altogether.
“I think part of the reason why women choose not to run is because they don’t want to put themselves into that situation,” Santos said. “You really have to have thicker skin if you’re a woman … Women always have to think twice or three times as to whether or not they want to put themselves and their family through that level of risk.
“It is sometimes mentally and emotionally taxing on you and so I think that’s part of the reason why a lot of women don’t do it.”
Added Hart: “It can really be tough to convince people that this is a career that they want.”
Women who run are more likely to win — so why aren’t more running?
Despite women in Ontario making up slightly more than half of the province’s population, they make up only 32.2 per cent of all municipal council seats, according to data from AMO.
However, Tolley said that when women do make the decision to run, research demonstrates they are more likely to win their elections.
Data from AMO shows in the 2022 municipal elections across Ontario, the success rate of women slightly exceeded that of men. Women candidates had a 47 per cent success rate while male candidates had a 44 per cent success rate.
Tolley said she believes the reason for this is because “the women … who tend to come forward, typically are more qualified than other candidates and the reason I think they’re more qualified is that they understand that in order to participate in this hostile climate, they need to be better than their competition.”
Elaine Moore, a former Brampton city and Peel regional councillor, said she did not experience sexism to the same extent while serving as a regional councillor, but noted that she felt the men around her viewed their opinions as more credible, leaving women feeling they had to be especially well prepared to have their voices heard.
Tolley believes that while the number of women seeking municipal office is still low, it is increasing because more and more women are either choosing to overlook the hostility or are empowered to change it through their presence in politics.
A parting message from Caledon’s outgoing mayor
Groves said as her mayoral term comes to an end her parting message to young women is not to be deterred or intimidated by such behaviour.
“This is a message I have for young women. Never be intimidated. You need to believe in yourself, you need to believe in who you are, and you need to stand up for what is right. And even if you are the only one standing, you must stand up for what you believe is right, and never be intimidated by any of this,” said Groves.
Copyright 2026, Mississauga.com. All rights reserved.
Bridget Potasky, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Mississauga.com.
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Federal ministers defend major projects bill at House committee meeting
Ministers defend Bill C-39 at House committee
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
Four federal ministers are defending the government's contentious legislation to speed up major projects in the House of Commons today, as Ottawa continues to face criticism from Indigenous, environment and labour groups.
The 243-page bill would fast-track approvals for major projects, cut their review times and create zones of "national interest" to pre-approve certain types of projects.
Labour leaders and union members gathered across Canada last week to protest Bill C-39, arguing the legislation would undermine workers' right to strike.
A collective of First Nations groups has also condemned the legislation, arguing it would weaken environmental oversight and strip away their ability to influence decisions affecting their territories.
Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc said today that Bill C-39 does not reduce Ottawa's requirement to consult with Indigenous rights holders and "a more efficient process does not mean a less rigorous one."
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said the legislation looks to reduce administrative burdens while also maintaining strong safety and environmental standards.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 19, 2026.
By Catherine Morrison | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
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Metrolinx is hiring for high-paying jobs that offer up to $49 an hour or $198,000 a year
Positions are open in Toronto and the GTA.
Typhoonski | Dreamstime
Metrolinx jobs are currently open in Toronto and places across the GTA.
You can earn up to $49 per hour or $198,000 a year with these positions!
Metrolinx, the transit agency that operates GO Transit and UP Express in Ontario, is hiring people for jobs in IT, software development, construction, admin, customer protection and other work areas.
The deadlines for these high-paying jobs are in the next few weeks, so here's what you need to know if you want to apply.
Data Scientist
Salary: $93,798 to $127,484 a year
Company: Metrolinx
Location: Toronto
Who Should Apply: You must have a degree in statistics, applied math, engineering, computer science or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Also, you need experience in:
- data science, advanced analytics, machine learning, predictive modelling or related disciplines
- Microsoft Azure, Azure Machine Learning, Databricks Lakehouse, Microsoft Fabric, Azure Data Lake Storage, and Azure AI services
- developing and deploying machine learning, forecasting, predictive, and prescriptive analytics models
- data engineering, ETL/ELT pipelines, feature engineering, and data quality management
- applying machine learning techniques and AI techniques, including time-series forecasting and large language models
- customer segmentation, profiling, clustering, association analysis, and basket analysis
- working with complex enterprise datasets and distributed computing environments
Proficiency in Python, SQL, PySpark/Spark, and large-scale data processing is required.
You must have knowledge of statistical analysis, including hypothesis testing, experimentation, and A/B testing.
The deadline is October 25, 2026, at 11:55 p.m.
I&IT Field Support Services Technician
Salary: $42.43 to $49.51 an hour
Company: Metrolinx
Location: Middlefield facility
Who Should Apply: You must have completed a college program related to an electronics and computer science field, with particular emphasis on network technology, or equivalent experience.
Also, CompTIA A+, Network + and multi-function printer certification or the equivalent is required.
You need a minimum of three years of experience in:
- installing, configuring and supporting end-user desktop software and devices in a networked environment.
- repairing, testing and maintaining electronic and mechanical equipment
- supporting desktop technologies and customer service associated with Single Point of Contact (SPOC) service desk
Knowledge of Microsoft applications and current Windows operating systems is required.
You also need advanced technical knowledge to troubleshoot and repair electronic/IP and telecommunications field equipment, multi-function printers, scanners and devices.
A valid Ontario class G driver's license is required for travelling in the GTHA.
You must have the ability to lift heavy equipment on a daily basis, be on-call on a rotational basis, and work in environments with frequent exposure to inclement weather conditions and noise.
The deadline is October 23, 2026, at 11:55 p.m.
Rail Traffic Controller
Salary: $91,421 to $124,253 a year
Company: Metrolinx
Location: Toronto or Oakville
Who Should Apply: You must have a diploma in business administration, transportation or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Four years of experience in a transportation control centre or related experience is required.
You need organizational, analytical, problem-solving, critical thinking, decision-making and communication skills
Also, you must be proficient in software applications, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
The ability to obtain Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR) certification is required, but training will be provided.
Since this is a 24/7 operation, you may have to work variable shifts and hours, including weekends and rotating off-days.
The deadline is October 31, 2026, at 12 a.m.
Senior Software Developer
Salary: $110,854 to $153,872 a year
Company: Metrolinx
Location: Toronto
Who Should Apply: You must have a degree in computer science, engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience.
It's required that you have years of experience in software development, including technical leadership roles.
Also, you need experience in:
- integration development (APIs, microservices, event-driven architecture)
- cloud platforms (Azure Container Apps, ACR, Azure Functions, Key Vault preferred) and DevOps/CI-CD pipelines
- messaging/event streaming (Azure Event Hub, Service Bus, RabbitMQ)
Proficiency in technologies such as C#, .NET, Node.js, JavaScript frameworks, SQL, Redis, SignalR, RESTful and SOAP services is required.
You must also have knowledge of security protocols (OAuth2, SAML, encryption) and API management, and familiarity with Agile methodologies.
The deadline is October 25, 2026, at 11:55 p.m.
Construction Management Field Specialist
Salary: $93,798 to $127,484 a year
Company: Metrolinx
Location: Various locations in Toronto and the GTA
Who Should Apply: A degree or diploma in architecture, engineering, construction trades, occupational health and safety or a related discipline is an asset.
You must have experience in planning, design, construction, construction supervision, construction safety, and administration of infrastructure or similar large-scale projects.
Also, experience in project management, including contracts and change variations, is required.
You need knowledge of applying legislation and regulatory requirements related to health and safety in the construction industry to implement and maintain construction safety management plans and policies, procedures and best practices.
The ability to read and understand work methodology plans, engineering drawings, risk assessments, and other construction management documents is required as well.
You must be able to obtain qualifications in Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR).
A valid Ontario Class G driver’s license is required to travel to various site locations in Toronto and the GTA.
The ability to work evenings, nights and weekends on a rotational basis, be on-call for emergencies, and work outdoors in all weather conditions and at all hours is required.
The deadline is November 2, 2026, at 11:55 p.m.
Senior Manager, GO Expansion Operations
Salary: $140,764 to $198,828 a year
Company: Metrolinx
Location: Toronto
Who Should Apply: You must have a degree in business administration, transportation planning or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
A minimum of 10 years of experience in railway operations, railway corridor engineering, contract management, and customer service, preferably in the public sector and/or a unionized environment, is required.
You must also have experience in:
- applying collective agreement provisions to monitor and manage employees and contractors
- vendor management to manage the development and delivery of services and monitor service delivery and performance
The ability to negotiate and deal with contacts, present complex and/or new ideas with clarity and simplicity, liaise with all levels in the organization and on construction sites, and work effectively with specialists is required.
You need to be able to occasionally work nights and weekends to visit construction sites and attend public meetings.
The deadline is October 28, 2026, at 11:55 p.m.
Executive Assistant
Salary: $72,445 to $100,063 a year
Company: Metrolinx
Location: Toronto
Who Should Apply: You must have a high school diploma with additional vocational or technical training or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Also, you need to have years of experience providing administrative and executive support services in a complex and highly confidential environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft applications like Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required, along with experience supporting executives through document preparation, records management, approvals, and administrative coordination.
You need communication skills to compose and edit highly confidential documents and record meeting notes, organizational skills to manage multiple deadlines, and interpersonal skills to maintain working relationships.
The deadline is October 26, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
Customer Protection Officer/Special Constable
Salary: $46.57 an hour
Company: Metrolinx
Location: Various locations in the GTA
Who Should Apply: You must have a level of knowledge of principles and practices that's typically attained through the completion of a community college program in law enforcement, social work or a relevant field and/or equivalent experience.
A minimum of six months of experience directly involving law enforcement activities and social/community work with exposure to the justice system is required.
You need the ability to interpret and apply federal and provincial statutes and local bylaws.
Also, interpersonal skills to maintain customer service and operating protocols and decision-making skills to handle a variety of circumstances and situations.
A valid Level C First Aid CPR certificate, a Mental Health First Aid Certification, and a valid Ontario class G driver's license are required.
You must be able to work on a 24-hour rotating shift basis (including days, evenings, weekends and holidays), handle confrontational situations, and walk, stand, climb stairs and operate vehicles for extended periods of time.
The deadline is October 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
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Les nouvelles fonctions que tu attendais arrivent sur Instagram
Avec 700 millions d'utilisateurs, Instagram est présentement le 3e média social le plus populaire au monde, après Facebook et YouTube. Étant à la base une plateforme de partage de photos, le Gram est devenu beaucoup plus que ça: c'est maintenant un lieu où vedettes, influenceurs et population partagent beaucoup de contenu, que ce soit en stories, en direct ou sur leur profil.
Il y a une chose qui était, jusqu'aujourd'hui, assez mal gérée pour un aussi gros média: les commentaires. Ceux-ci seront maintenant revus de deux manières.
1. Les conversations
Devoir ''tag'' la personne à chaque fois qu'on lui répond, ou même lui répondre en privé par moments sans trop comprendre pourquoi: trop de gestion pour rien.
Je crois qu'Instagram a compris notre misère, puisqu'une nouvelle fonction arrive pour régler le problème: les ''thread'' sous les commentaires. Ça va permettre aux personnes de répondre sous un commentaire, et avoir une conversation sans perdre le fil, tout comme sur Facebook. Quelque chose d'assez pratique pour les posts populaires avec des milliers de commentaires. Heureusement, une seule chaîne de réponse pourra être créée pour ne pas avoir quelque chose de chaotique comme sur Reddit.
En voici un aperçu:
Cette fonction sera disponible à compter des prochaines semaines.
2. Une nouvelle mission pour Instagram
La compagnie travaille fort pour améliorer la section commentaires. Cet été Kevin Systrom, le CEO d'Instagram, s'est donné la mission de faire le ménage de la plateforme sociale en éliminant les commentaires méchants. Il travaille très fort sur un système qui identifie les nuances entre un commentaire déplacé ou non. Par exemple, « belle paire » peut être un commentaire pervers envers une femme, mais aussi un commentaire normal sous une paire de nouvelles chaussures.
Son plus gros objectif est de nettoyer sa plateforme, mais il veut aussi montrer que la toxicité en ligne n'est pas inévitable. Montrer que ça doit être une priorité pour tous de créer un espace sécuritaire et sain.
Source: Instagram