Political staffers fear speaking up, councillors told

As a councillor's assistant, Fiona Mitchell says she's dealt with many issues for which there's no template or manual,from helping residents cope with the tragedy of the Westboro bus crash, to her boss, Coun. Jeff Leiper, suffering a heart attack.

Last fall, when women who had worked for Coun. Rick Chiarelli alleged they'd been asked to wear revealing clothing and described other inappropriate behaviour, Mitchell becameupset.

When it is addressed, often the person bringing it forward will at some point pay a price for that.- Coun. Catherine McKenney

"These were our colleagues," she said Tuesday. "What resonated with me was many alleged victims reported feeling apprehensive about bringing allegations forward for fear of repercussions to themselves personally, or their careers."

Mitchell took the unusual step of addressing councillors during Tuesday'sfinance and economic development committee meeting, where sheoffered feedback on recommendations the city clerk has made to improve hiring of political staffers at Ottawa city hall.

• Hiring guidelines proposed in wake of Chiarelli allegations

Mitchell welcomesa recommendationto provide extra training for new councillors on how to recruit and hire, and a move to provide formal orientation sessions for new staffers.

But for her, the most important improvement is making sure political staff, who aren't unionized and whose roles and pay vary from councillor to councillor, know where to turn when trouble arises advice she said she never received.

Mitchell also suggested political staff be given more opportunities to socializeso theyhave more "friendly faces" to confide in.

Stories from councillors' row

Somerset Coun. Catherine McKenney, who was also acouncillor'sassistant, recalledonecolleague who had been sexually harassed on the job. The two had conversations about coming forward, but McKenney said in the end, the woman chose not to for fear of the potential impact onher career.

"This is so systemic," said McKenney."Any time we have examples of sexual harassment, of racism, of homophobia in our workplace.... Most of the time it's not addressed. When it is addressed, often the person bringing it forward will at some point pay a price for that."

Rideau-Goulbourn Coun. Scott Moffatt described how he onceadvised another councillor's assistantto quit because of how they were being treated. He agreed assistants need to know where to turn for help, but said that's just the first step.

As for the formal recommendations, Coun. Keith Eglisaid he was surprised the city clerk didn't advise specific changes such as requiring a third person be in the room for a job interview, or requiring interviews take place in a city building.

"Those are basic safeguards that would make people more comfortable in the process," Egli said.

The report rises to city council for approval July 15.