After threatening phone call, MLA Nahanni Fontaine blasts misogyny in politics

The same day British MP Jo Cox was shot and stabbed to death, Manitoba New Democrat Nahanni Fontaine said her office received a threatening call from a man, warning the MLA to "watch" what she says in the Manitoba legislature.

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Fontaine said she wanted to express her solidarity with all women in public service in the face of hatred against women.

"The reality is that women engaged in public life across the globe are constantly intimidated, threatened, sanctioned, silenced, ridiculed and in some cases tortured, raped and murdered," said Fontaine.

The rookie MLA said intimidation from men started even before she was elected to represent the Winnipeg constituencyof St. Johns.

"Throughout my campaign in seeking this office I faced vitriolic and attacking speech culminating in having to be escorted out of a forum by a good 10 people while a man stood at the front exit, screaming profanities at me, while declaring that I was going to, 'Get it,'" said Fontaine.

Fontaine said women offer an essential perspective inpolitics and men, her "brothers", should support women who choose to commit themselves to public life.

"Women and men are equal to one another and together we balance out perspectives, ideologies and the manifestation of privilege and power within our public service duties," she said.

"I encourage all my brother colleagues here today to consistently and publicly denounce violence against women engaged in public service."

Fontaine finished her comments Monday with a message for men who threaten women.

"To the individuals, including the gentleman who called my office last week, who believe they have the right to shame and silence women, good luck," she said.

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St. Johns MLA Nahanni Fontaine's full message to the Manitoba Legislative Assembly on Monday:

"I rise today in solidarity with my sisters across the world who've committed their lives to public service. Within the last week we've witnessed the horrific murder of U.K. Labour MP Jo Cox alongside here in Canada targeted, misogynistic attacks against Alberta Premier Rachel Notley.

Thursday last between these two incidents my own constituency assistant received an anonymous call for a man who warned me to watch what I say in this house. What's more throughout my campaign in seeking this office I faced vitriolic and attacking speech culminating in having to be escorted out of a forum by a good 10 people while a man stood at the front exit, screaming profanities at me, while declaring that I was going to, 'Get it.'

The reality is that women engaged in public life across the globe are constantly intimidated, threatened, sanctioned, silenced, ridiculed and in some cases tortured, raped and murdered. These threatening and lethal actions are generationally rooted in the legislation, regulation and marginalization of women's space and agency. The command of public service, discourse and governance is not the exclusive domain of men.

Women and men are equal to one another and together we balance out perspectives, ideologies and the manifestation of privilege and power within our public service duties. It is not enough to say that women have the right to be engaged in public service but men also positioned within public service must support their sister colleagues in combating misogyny in all its forms.

And so I encourage all my brother colleagues here today to consistently and publicly denounce violence against women engaged in public service. And finally, Madam Speaker to the individuals, including the gentleman who called my office last week, who believe they have the right to shame and silence women, good luck."

MLA Nahanni Fontaine spoke out against hatred of women in politics on Monday during her private members statement. (courtesy Shaw TV)

8 years ago

Duration 2:20

MLA Nahanni Fontaine spoke out against hatred of women in politics on Monday during her private members statement. (courtesy Shaw TV)