We are infuriated and exhausted by the reports of sexual violence perpetuated by men in Canadian politics, including those who were publicly named during this election period and those who remain unnamed. As an organization built on the lived experience of survivors of sexual violence in civic spaces, we stand in solidarity with survivors and others who have experienced sexual violence in its many forms, and continue to provide safe(r) spaces for them to seek support and engage with civic spaces and systems.

Since 2017, we have provided 300+ hours of survivor-centred support to 120+ young women and gender-diverse people who have experienced gender-based violence in civic spaces. Our research in 2018 concluded that 80% of those who experience sexual violence in Canadian politics either leave or significantly reduce their civic engagement as a direct result. In 2021, sexual violence in civic spaces remains as prevalent as ever. That is not okay.

Sexual violence in civic spaces is a symptom of a rape culture that is both upheld by and upholds intersecting systems of oppression that make up Canadian society, and by extension Canadian politics, and must be addressed through an intersectional lens, specifically in connection to Canada’s ongoing legacy of colonialism and anti-Black racism.

We call on civic institutions and decision-makers to be proactive in holding perpetuators of sexual violence to account and preventing them from amassing power. We must prioritize survivors and systemic change toward consent culture in our civic discussions in order to build an inclusive and safe civic environment for all. 

Most importantly right now, we call on MP-Elect Kevin Vuong to resign from his position as representative of Spadina-Fort York.

This is not a partisan issue. This is about fairness and justice for survivors and dismantling the rape culture that continues to persist in Canadian politics and civic spaces.

Add your name to this letter to stand in solidarity with survivors and call of consent culture and accountability in Canadian politics.