August 20, 2025
Open Letter to the Residents of the Municipal District of St. Stephen
RE: Rising Public Incivility and Harassment of Municipal Officials
To the Residents of the Municipal District of St. Stephen,
In recent months, we have witnessed an alarming rise in public incivility directed toward members of Council, municipal staff, and volunteers. While spirited debate and accountability are the hallmarks of a healthy democracy, there is a growing trend of personal attacks, harassment, and intimidation that must be addressed directly and unequivocally.
Serving in public office is a commitment to our community—often at significant personal cost. Our elected officials and municipal employees work every day to make thoughtful, responsible decisions that reflect the needs and values of our residents. While it is expected that not all decisions will be universally supported, disagreement must never justify abuse.
The escalating tone of discourse—online, in person, and through other channels—has led to threats, verbal assaults, and undue pressure on those who serve. This behaviour is not only unacceptable, it erodes the very foundation of civil society. It creates a hostile environment that discourages honest participation, deters talented individuals from seeking public roles, and undermines the democratic process itself.
The Municipal District of St. Stephen stands firmly for respectful dialogue, open engagement, and the safety and dignity of every individual contributing to public service. We encourage healthy debate and welcome criticism—when it is constructive, respectful, and grounded in fact. But we will not tolerate conduct that crosses the line into harassment, intimidation, or threats.
We ask all residents to reflect on the standards we wish to uphold in our community. Let us model civility for our children, support each other in times of disagreement, and ensure that our public spaces—both physical and digital—remain safe for all.
Our shared future depends on our ability to work together in good faith. Let’s lead by example.