Ottawa’s liaison for women and gender equity calling attack on McKenna’s office a hate crime

The City of Ottawa Liaison for Women and Gender Equity says the obscenity scrawled across the window of Catherine McKenna's office makes her feel sick to her stomach. 

Theresa Kavanagh is calling on the Ottawa Police to investigate this incident of vandalism as a hate crime. 

“Someone put this out, knowing full well how insulting and demeaning it is,” Kavanagh said. “It should be treated as a hate crime because they were obviously showing no respect for gender.” 

The city councillor noted that when there is hatred of this level, it needs to be called out. 

While she feels respected in her role at city hall, Kavanagh points out that female politicians tend to be tested more than their male counterparts. 

“There are sometimes subtle ways that we get tested more, and sometimes not so subtle. This is an example of not so subtle,” she explained. “We probably don't even notice it [normally], because we just get so used to it.” 

The Bay ward representative had a message for Catherine McKenna on Thursday: 

“She shouldn't have to put up with this — no one should,” said Kavanagh. “We all feel for her. Other women politicians feel for her.”