Whitby is set to see fewer last-minute agenda additions after council members agreed to updates in the procedure bylaw, which will require more advance notice for introducing motions. This change comes amid a continuing saga of tension both inside and outside the council chambers that has been ongoing for over a year and a half.
According to the new guidelines, if a motion is submitted late but received by the clerk before 8 a. m. on the day of the meeting-and only if it’s urgent-an individual can attempt to waive the rules for its introduction.
If a late motion is turned in after 8 a. m., then procedural rules can’t be waived, meaning it must wait until the next meeting for discussion.
“By prohibiting the ability to waive the rules of procedure for motions submitted after 8 a. m., council will eliminate attempts to surprise other members with late motions and circumvent staff’s review,” stated the motion.
Additionally, delegations related to late motions won’t be permitted anymore, and council members can’t request waivers to allow them to be heard. “Allowing delegations on late motions that do not appear on the agenda creates an information asymmetry,” as noted in the report. “It privileges those who may have ‘insider’ knowledge of late motions while effectively excluding the broader public who rely on official notice periods through the agenda to exercise their democratic rights.”
This adjustment is part of efforts to restore some order within council proceedings, especially considering taxpayer-funded legal fees related to allegations of racism against councillors Steve Yamada and Chris Leahy-who have both faced sanctions for code of conduct breaches-now amounting to about $100,000. An Ontario Human Rights Commission complaint filed by Yamada against Mayor Elizabeth Roy, along with several others from Whitby, adds another layer to this ongoing dispute that has made Whitby Council one of the most contentious in Ontario.
The conflict regarding Yamada’s experience during his short time as Deputy Mayor in spring 2024 has resurfaced multiple times at council meetings filled with accusations of “silenced” councillors, intense questioning directed at report authors, procedural tactics being employed, and even emotional moments.
Roy’s public remark about feeling “vindicated” following an Integrity Commissioner finding that cleared her of any wrongdoing while sanctioning both Leahy and Yamada over their racism claims has also played into this narrative.
The Integrity Commissioner eventually imposed sanctions on Yamada and Leahy due to code of conduct violations, resulting in each losing a week’s pay.
The complaint filed with the Ontario Human Rights Commission could potentially add another $150,000 in legal expenses for the town.
Last 30 Days: 83,055 Votes
All Time: 1,214,704 Votes
2345 VOTES
Source link
The conflict regarding Yamada’s experience during his short time as Deputy Mayor in spring 2024 has resurfaced multiple times at council meetings filled with accusations of “silenced” councillors, intense questioning directed at report authors, procedural tactics being employed, and even emotional moments.
Roy’s public remark about feeling “vindicated” following an Integrity Commissioner finding that cleared her of any wrongdoing while sanctioning both Leahy and Yamada over their racism claims has also played into this narrative.
The Integrity Commissioner eventually imposed sanctions on Yamada and Leahy due to code of conduct violations, resulting in each losing a week’s pay.
The complaint filed with the Ontario Human Rights Commission could potentially add another $150,000 in legal expenses for the town.
Last 30 Days: 83,055 Votes
All Time: 1,214,704 Votes
2345 VOTES
How do you think Doug Ford is doing as Ontario’s premier?
INsauga’s Editorial Standards and PoliciesSource link
