Politics and #MeToo: voices from a survey of staffers on Parliament Hill
OTTAWA — Long hours. A male-dominated workplace. Precarious employment. Alcohol. A culture of silence.
The Canadian Press surveyed those working in the offices of MPs, senators and cabinet ministers in Ottawa, asking them to share their experiences with sexual misconduct on Parliament Hill and their thoughts on the surrounding culture. Here’s some of what the respondents — who completed the survey in anonymity — had to say.
— “It is a workplace, but there is widespread alcohol before, during and after official duties are carried out. Is there any other workplace in Canada where consuming alcohol on the job is acceptable, and even promoted by management (MPs in this case)?”
— “Save your voice for when it counts, when it’s silent, when someone needs you, or when you need to speak up. Don’t waste this opportunity.”