MAJORITY VOTE DOESN’T GET APPROVAL AT PETAWAWA COUNCIL
Despite the majority of councillors voting to change a 23-year-old policy, Petawawa will not allow flags from any organizations to fly in the municipality.
The matter came up after a request from several community members to fly the Pride flag in Petawawa was denied.
Earlier this month, Deputy Mayor Gary Serviss had put forward a request to reconsider the resolution adopted by council in February of 1998.
Four out of seven councillors voted to change the proclamation or flag raising policy, but the motion failed, because it needed to be supported by a two-third majority (five out of seven votes were required).
POLICY ADOPTED FEBRUARY 3rd, 1998
Resolution #11 reads as follows:
“That the Council of the Town of Petawawa declines to declare any public proclamations save those which pertain to matters which are solely and completely within the immediate mandate of Council.”
COUNCIL REACTION
Mayor Bob Sweet said this was a decision he struggled with the past couple of weeks. He adds this is not about flying any specific flag, but about a proclamation policy. Sweet says he’s been involved in many opportunities to address various issues and come up with formulas to address these issues, be it emergencies, the flag, the size of flag and you end up with a 3-4 page document trying to come up with a policy that is fair and equitable to everyone. The Petawawa Mayor says in his view, the town won’t be able to improve on the two line statement they have in place.
Deputy Mayor Gary Serviss told members of council that updating this policy would give them more flexibility to weigh the merits of individual requests such as the ones received recently. Serviss believes Petawawa is a welcoming, tolerant and inclusive community, but says there’s always room for improvement and sometimes a small gesture like a proclamation or flag raising could have a significant impact on the lives of residents in the community for many years to come.
Councillor James Carmody told council he felt the policy is out of step with the times and added members of society, especially marginalized sections of society, or those who have been discriminated against, should have a right to have their government support them and proclamations or flag raisings are one small thing they can do.
Councillor Theresa Sabourin says she would like to see the policy revisited. Sabourin says it’s time to have a discussion on what they would to proclaim if anything. She adds a proclamation says very clearly and very loudly we believe, we support and we want. Sabourin adds staff could present something that would allow council to make decisions that are fair and equitable to all.
Councillor Matthew McLean said the policy is outdated and added society is changing and we need to be prepared to adapt with it.
Councillor Tom Mohns says there’s nothing wrong with what they have, it’s been in place for a long time, serves them well and he believes the Canadian flag, provincial flag and municipal flag covers everyone in the municipality.
Councillor Murray Rutz says the policy has served the town well for many years, doesn’t think it’s outdated and sees no reason to change.
RECORDED VOTE
Mayor Bob Sweet – AGAINST
Councillor James Carmody – IN FAVOUR
Councillor Matthew McLean – IN FAVOUR
Councillor Tom Mohns – AGAINST
Councillor Murray Rutz – AGAINST
Councillor Theresa Sabourin – IN FAVOUR
Deputy Mayor Gary Serviss – IN FAVOUR
PREVIOUS STORIES:
https://www.pembroketoday.ca/2021/06/04/petawawa-being-asked-to-fly-the-pride-flag/
https://www.pembroketoday.ca/2021/06/07/90095/