HALIFAX, Nova Scotia — A Nova Scotia constituency assistant is advocating for government funding of a second employee in legislators’ offices to address the aggression that front-line workers face at politicians’ workplaces. Kelly Gomes, who experienced a violent attack at work, recounted an incident on Dec. 14 where a man held her by the throat against a hallway wall at her constituency office. She credits a teenage student on a work term at the office for potentially preventing further harm.
Gomes calls for the province to fund a second worker in the offices of all 55 members, emphasizing the lack of protection for constituency assistants. The public prosecution service has charged a 47-year-old man with assault and mischief in relation to the incident. In response to the increasing safety risks and major workload increases faced by assistants, Derek Mombourquette, the Liberal Party’s house leader, plans to present a position to the legislature’s management commission about the added funding on Jan. 24.
Manitoba experienced a similar rise in aggression at provincial constituency offices, leading to a review that concluded additional funding for security was essential. The cost for a second staff person in all 55 constituency offices in Nova Scotia is estimated to be between $4 million and $4.5 million per year. Deputy premier Allan MacMaster expressed concerns about the optics of providing more funding for extra help in the midst of financial struggles for many.
NDP Leader Claudia Chender disagrees with the concern over public perception that providing more financing to constituency offices would “enrich MLAs.” She emphasized that constituency office budgets are tightly regulated and used to serve the public, hoping that the management commission carefully considers the proposal.
The need for increased safety measures in constituency offices is evident, yet debates continue over the financial implications and public perception of providing additional funding. Michael Tutton, of The Canadian Press, wrote this report, which was first published on Jan. 11, 2024.