A candidate has withdrawn from the B.C. NDP nomination race in Cowichan Valley, saying she experienced sexism and harassment during her campaign.
Georgia Collins announced her decision in a Facebook post, expressing disappointment with the party’s response to her concerns.
“I wish I could say that my decision is unrelated to sexism and harassment that I experienced during my campaign, but that would be untrue,” Collins said.
“I wish I could say that I was not disappointed by the party’s capacity to respond to such concerns, but that would also be untrue. The status quo, it seems, carries on even in places you least expect it.”
Online, Collins describes herself as a “community builder” and says she was the founding chairperson of the Shawnigan Watershed Roundtable and the first executive director of the Shawnigan Basin Society. She also vied to represent the federal NDP in the 2015 election. The nomination went to Alistair MacGregor, who was elected MP for the Cowichan-Malahat-Langford riding.
Collins provided no details of her allegations, but stated in a September Facebook post that she had been the target of online harassment and death threats. She also said police were investigating a suspicious fire near her house and that officers had inquired whether she had any enemies.
B.C. NDP treasurer Amber Hockin said in a statement Thursday that the party has launched an investigation.
“We are disappointed about the circumstances surrounding Georgia Collins’ nomination campaign and her decision to withdraw,” Hockin said. “We take those concerns seriously and are investigating the matter further.”
Lori Iannidinardo, one of three other women seeking the nomination, said she was saddened to read Collins’ Facebook post.
“I was shocked at her withdrawal,” she said. “She had my full support; I’m saddened that this has happened.”
A director with the Cowichan Valley Regional District, Iannidinardo said she has not experienced sexism or harassment during the campaign and she condemned such behaviour.
“There’s no place in any workforce for that,” she said. “So hopefully, that can be looked at and dealt with.”
Iannidinardo, who is in her third term in local government, said politics is a tough business but she encourages women to get involved. “A diverse group of people around a table is much more productive.”
Collins was unavailable for an interview on Thursday. She said in her most recent Facebook post that she chose to step away from the campaign for her children and her own well-being.
She thanked her supporters and praised those who speak out “despite pressure from people to stay silent and despite lawyers being marshalled to threaten expensive lawsuits.”
The successful candidate will represent the B.C. NDP in the riding in the May 9 provincial election. Bill Routley, the incumbent NDP MLA, is not seeking re-election.
