Respectful Conduct Toward Township Staff

Public Message from the Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk

Township staff work every day to provide services and support to the residents of Manitouwadge. They serve our community with professionalism, dedication, and pride. In return, they deserve to be treated with courtesy and respect.

Recently, the Township has received reports of an increase in inappropriate behaviour toward staff. Incidents have included employees being yelled at, subjected to abusive language, threatened with the loss of their jobs, video recorded while doing their work, approached in a confrontational manner, contacted outside of working hours, and in some cases approached at their homes.

Residents have the right to ask questions, raise concerns, and disagree with municipal decisions. However, harassment, bullying, intimidation, threats, abusive language, and other disrespectful behaviour are not acceptable. This type of conduct can create an unsafe work environment and will not be tolerated.

In February 2026, I shared a public message regarding concerns about online harassment directed toward Township staff and others involved in municipal matters. Regrettably, some of those behaviours have now extended beyond social media and online forums into direct, in-person confrontations. While harassment and personal attacks are never acceptable in any form, it is particularly troubling when employees are confronted face-to-face while carrying out their duties or during their personal time. Residents have every right to express concerns and disagree with municipal decisions, but all interactions must remain respectful. No employee should be subjected to intimidation, aggression, or harassment simply for performing the responsibilities of their position.

The Township's Respectful Behaviour Policy applies to everyone who interacts with the municipality, including members of the public, elected officials, staff, volunteers, contractors, and consultants. We are committed to maintaining a workplace and environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Township employees are responsible for carrying out the duties assigned to them as part of their jobs. They should not be personally targeted because of municipal decisions, policies, projects, or services. Like all residents, Township employees are entitled to privacy, safety, and respect both at work and in their personal lives.

If you have questions, concerns, comments, or complaints about Township services, decisions, or projects, I encourage you to contact me directly. Using the appropriate channels helps ensure concerns are addressed in a respectful and productive way.

A respectful community depends on respectful communication. I ask all residents to be mindful of how they interact with Township staff and with each other. We may not always agree on every issue, but we can disagree respectfully. Together, we can help foster a community where people feel safe, valued, and treated with dignity.

The Township will not tolerate behaviour that threatens the safety, well-being, or dignity of its employees and may take appropriate action, in accordance with Township policies and applicable legislation, when such conduct occurs.

Thank you for your cooperation and continued support of our community.

Joleen Keough
CAO/Clerk
Township of Manitouwadge
Phone: 807-826-3227 ext. 223
Email: cao@manitouwadge.ca

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