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

Liberal MP Pam Damoff says she won't run again in the next federal election after reporting she has experienced misogyny and disrespectful dialogue in politics, along with threats to her life.

In a media statement, Damoff said she's proud of her time in politics but it's no longer for her. She has represented Oakville North-Burlington, a riding west of Toronto, since 2015.

Damoff announced her planned exit with a letter posted on her Facebook page.

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.

"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."

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.