With threats and harassment against elected officials intensifying in recent years, some Canadian municipalities are using taxpayer dollars to fund politicians’ home security systems.
Of the 21 municipalities contacted by CBC, only eight started paying for the home security systems of members of council in the last few years, some won’t discuss it all and the majority openly said that’s not an eligible expense.
“I’ve had people show up at my home in the evening. I’ve received several death threats, including shuttering in place at home with the children,” said Elizabeth Peloza, a London, Ont., councillor.
“You never know how credible they are. I know people get passionate and they’re hurting or really upset having felt that they weren’t heard before … but there’s constructive ways to bring those forward,” she said.
With three children, Peloza describes feeling “very vulnerable in those moments.”
WATCH | Elizabeth Peloza speaks out about …