COUNCIL NEWS

“Some members of council saw it before it was put on the table – why are some privy to it and not others?” he asked He went on to say that once you look at the resolution (to use the clause) you realize it was a reaction to a letter, which was a reaction to a comment from the Premier, which was a motion passed by the Ontario Big City Mayors. Chambers had concerns about reacting to a reaction and taking a stance as a municipality as a whole to such an important and complex topic.

Chambers wanted to chill the idea and think about it further to ensure they are going about it the right way Mayor David Bailey strongly disagreed “I believe reacting to a reaction is the way you get things done,” he stated. Bailey also shared why he supports any motion that errs on the side of compassion. “Last year I buried my nephew He died in a tent in Owen Sound – frozen to death. I would hope people could have done more to help him.” Bailey also had a strong opinion to how his counterpart – Kevin Davis – responded without consulting with him, a representative of the County, before taking a stance to support the use the clause. “I need to vote in favour of this because it has affected my life, and it has affected our relationship with our neighbours. And it is going to dissolve things because of the actions the Mayor of Brantford has taken without me or asking how I felt or whether I want to join him…. It’s my right to join a list of people who oppose how he feels.”

In a recorded vote, Councillors Jennifer Kyle, John Macalpine, Lukas Oakley, Steve Howes, John Bell and Mayor Bailey voted to support the motion on the table.

Councillors John Peirce, Robert Chambers, Brian Coleman and Christine Garneau voted against it.

Councillor David Miller was absent

After the vote, council debated how a letter, to be issued to the Ontario Government outlining the county’s desire to oppose the use of the clause, would look. Mayor Bailey wanted the letter to be signed individually by those who supported the motion. However, Councillor Chamber pointed out that procedurally, the letter must be signed as the municipality of Brant because it was a vote that was passed through council

In the end, Chambers suggested the clerk write the letter and advise the details of the motion and that it was passed, showing who voted for and against it.

“That is what is going to be sent to the Ontario government. It has nothing to do with the letter or the Ontario Big City Mayors Caucus. Just send the motion itself and who supported or didn’t support it.” with any legislation that would facilitate the eviction or displacement of encampment residents.

2 The County of Brant affirms that all individuals, regardless of their housing status or personal circumstances, are entitled to the full protection of their Charter rights.

3. The County of Brant recognizes that addressing homelessness, mental health issues, and addiction requires compassionate, evidence-based solutions that respect the dignity and rights of all individuals.

4 The County of Brant calls upon the provincial government to work collaboratively with municipalities, health experts, and community organizations to develop comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of homelessness, mental health challenges, and addiction, while upholding the Charter rights of all citizens.

5 The County of Brant commits to advocating for increased funding and support for affordable housing, mental health services, and addiction treatment programs as more effective and humane alternatives to encampment evictions.

Here's a look at what the motion entailed:

1 The County of Brant strongly opposes the use of the notwithstanding clause by the Government of Ontario in connection

And that this motion be distributed to the Ontario government, specifically the Premier of Ontario, the Attorney General, the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, the Finance Minister the Minister of Health, MPP Will Bouma, MPP Ernie Hardeman, and MPP Brian Riddell