A lawyer who specializes in workplace harassment investigations believes there needs to be an independent office where municipal workers and elected officials can lodge their complaints.

The provincial government recently launched the first phase of a “community respect” initiative, whereby they hope to get a better understanding of harassment and bullying that municipal leaders and staff face.

Rosellen Sullivan, the owner of Sullivan Investigative Insights, says that, especially in smaller communities, people tend to “let problems go.” They don’t get addressed efficiently, and eventually “get out of hand.”

In those situations, Sullivan says it can often be very “difficult” and “uncomfortable” to make a complaint.

She suggests having an independent person or office where people can file complaints, or get advice on a situation.