HALIFAX, Canada – A Nova Scotia constituency assistant is pushing for increased safety measures after experiencing a violent attack at work. Kelly Gomes, who has worked for a local legislator for the past four years, recounted the harrowing incident that took place at her constituency office on Dec. 14. This event has sparked a call for the government to provide funding for an additional employee at legislators’ offices, as a way to enhance safety for staff members.
Gomes described how a man entered her office and forcefully held her by the throat against a hallway wall. She credits a courageous teenage student, who was doing a work term at the office, for preventing the situation from escalating even further. The man eventually released his grip after the student threatened to call the police, but not before causing significant damage to the office.
Gomes emphasized that standard security measures such as door locks and panic buttons are not always sufficient to protect constituency assistants from such incidents. As a result, she is advocating for the province to allocate funds for a second worker in the offices of all 55 members. Derek Mombourquette, the Liberal Party’s house leader, has expressed plans to present this proposal for additional funding at a legislative commission meeting on Jan. 24.
The incident has brought attention to the vulnerability of legislative office staff and the need for enhanced security measures. Gomes’ plea for increased funding to support additional staff members reflects the urgency of addressing safety concerns in legislative offices.
This report was first published on Jan. 11, 2024, and highlights the importance of implementing measures to protect constituency assistants in Nova Scotia.