Liberal MP says she's leaving politics over disrespectful dialogue, threats, misogyny

Liberal MP Pam Damoff rises during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Friday, March 31, 2023.

(Patrick Doyle/The Canadian Press)Liberal MP Pam Damoff says she won't run again in the next federal election and reports she has experienced misogyny, disrespectful dialogue in politics and threats to her life.

She said the current tone of politics is being driven by a desire for social-media clips and 'likes' — a drastic change in how politicians interact with each other and the public.

She added the tenor of political discourse has deteriorated significantly and she fears that misinformation and "lies" spread by politicians are causing a loss of trust in institutions.

"Unfortunately, the toxic drive for social-media likes and clips among elected officials has hindered constructive conversations, exacerbated difference between us and diminished our capacity to show empathy towards each other," Damoff said in the statement.

"The threats and misogyny I have experienced as a member of Parliament are such that I often fear going out in public, and that is not a sustainable or healthy way to live."