Milton's Town Council, May 29th, 2023
Milton’s Town Council has unanimously passed a motion that will back Bill 5.
Originally brought forth by Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Orléans, Stephen Blais, the bill requires the code of conduct for municipal councillors and members of local boards to include a requirement for councillors to comply with workplace violence and harassment policies.
The motion was requested locally by Regional Councillor for Ward 4, Sameera Ali, and seconded by Town Councillor for Ward 1, Kristina Tesser Derksen. Councillor Ali is happy that Council backed Bill 5, and addresses how harassment among Councillors has been occurring for decades all across Ontario.
What does this mean for Council?
If finalized, Bill 5 will apply consequences to the negative actions of municipal government. If harassment and/or abuse is found to be taking place by a judge of the Superior Court of Justice, the accused could potentially lose their seat and have their term cancelled. They would not be allowed to re-run in a subsequent municipal election.
Councillor Tesser Derksen says it’s about accountability.
She adds that it might have taken this long to apply this accountability because the positions are election-based. When someone is elected to a position, often, it is up to another election to find a replacement for that person. Due to the severity of the position, this mandatory process takes time and resources that can significantly affect residents. However, Councillor Tesser Derksen says Bill 5 can also serve as a deterrent. Ideally, it eliminates abusive behaviour within Councils because, for once, there is an actual punishment in place.
The resolution will now be circulated to MPP Blais, Milton MPP Parm Gill, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
Follow Monday’s Council meeting’s agenda here. Watch the meeting here.
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