Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy is responding to an event that took place during a recent Durham Region committee meeting.
She mentioned that after the Committee of the Whole meeting ended on Monday night, a representative from Rebel News interacted with Council and Town staff in a manner that made them feel quite uncomfortable and intimidated – particularly the female council members.
“There is a clear line between legitimate journalism and conduct intended to provoke, intimidate, or harass – and in this case, that line was crossed,” said Roy. “The targeted harassment of our female politicians cannot be tolerated. We have a responsibility to ensure that public service is safe for everyone, and that includes calling out and condemning behaviour that seeks to silence or discourage women from participating in civic life.”
Roy noted that this individual has a well-documented history of confrontational interactions with public officials.
In her statement, Roy indicated that Town security informed the journalist their behaviour was unacceptable before contacting Durham Regional Police (DRPS).
Rebel News does not have federal designation as a Qualified Canadian Journalism Organization (QCJO).
They applied but were denied because they did not meet the criteria.
A spokesperson for Durham police stated they are looking into the matter.
“I can confirm that officers responded to a disturbance call at Whitby Town Hall at approximately 11:30 p. m. last night. Officers spoke with a male and escorted him from the building. He was not arrested and no charges have been laid at this time. The investigation remains ongoing,” said the statement from Durham police.
Statement from Councillor Niki Lundquist
Councillor Leahy continues to propose motions that clearly fall outside municipal government jurisdiction. The Temporary Foreign Worker motion was legally indefensible and displayed ignorance of systems and facts. A motion regarding royal succession was, in my opinion, purely performative. More recently, the motion on bail and offender release-issues which again belong squarely within federal jurisdiction-landed on our municipal council agenda.
No reasonable person is suggesting community safety isn’t important. However, appropriate channels for raising those concerns lie with the federal government, courts, and police services. Introducing motions like this doesn’t improve safety-it creates an illusion of action. That erodes trust in government further.
A particular concern during discussions about bail motions was hearing from delegates who clearly believed council could change laws. We cannot do so. Despite engaging with residents on this issue, Councillor Leahy did not guide them toward institutions where real assistance could be found-the police or federal government-those who actually possess authority to address their concerns meaningfully. That’s irresponsible and unhelpful to those who’ve experienced tragedy.
I believe these motions reflect escalating behaviours thinly disguised as commendable policy initiatives. If protecting temporary foreign workers were truly the goal, there would’ve been relevant content within the motion addressing it directly-but there wasn’t any. If it genuinely concerned protecting people from violent offenders, there would’ve been guidance directing individuals towards those capable of providing real help-but again, there wasn’t.
This approach to politics-focused on attention-seeking headlines rather than actual authority-is incredibly damaging; it harms vulnerable individuals along with those who have faced trauma-as well as our community and fellow council members themselves.
Last night I observed women on Council feeling genuinely afraid to leave the chamber; they were pursued down hallways; previously being confronted physically at council tables as well-all unacceptable behaviour directly resulting from what Councillor Leahy has invited upon us.
I think every media outlet giving him coverage bears some responsibility-not just Rebel “News.” It’s time for those outlets to ask tough questions about what’s happening instead of going along as if these motions make any practical sense when they don’t.
Someone should inquire about political advisor Rob Davis’s involvement since he frequently confers with Councillor Leahy while filming both in Council Chambers as well as Community events.
And everyone should question how much taxpayer money has gone wasted on staff resources alongside external legal opinions while time is lost addressing actual Town business.
I regret all this is happening; however it’s high time we name it outright.
We’re better than this-or most of us certainly are! Statement from Councillor Steve Lee This situation last night was completely unacceptable! No one should’ve had to experience what Councillor Victoria Bozinovski faced leaving work late at 11 PM trying simply head home safely! I witnessed it unfold alongside her-and such treatment should never occur within someone’s workplace environment! I want express gratitude towards Elizabeth Roy Mayor for her statement plus thanks go out too towards Whitby’s security team & DRPS ensuring she reached her car safely returning home afterward! p>Statement From Councillor Victoria Bozinovski
The questioned motion fell outside municipal authority which isn’t merely an opinion but rather clear law outlining immigration policies remaining under Federal jurisdiction exclusively. Municipal councils lack capabilities regulating/revising anything related procurement procedures. Independent legal advice assured me pursuing such ideas might expose town potential litigation risks thereby violating existing regulations leading taxpayers incurred significant defending costs against challenges we likely lose anyways… Making rejection entirely reasonable based alone without further consideration required.
I called out garbage-language exhibited during discussions labeling xenophobic/racist sentiments firmly standing behind remarks made earlier tonight…. When proposals seek exclude LEGALLY authorized workers solely based citizenship/origin crossing critical lines separating good governance performing irresponsibly carrying severe implications affecting human rights matters equally. Dressing up request facts doesn’t transform reality itself identifying targeting individuals undermining policy direction legality versus mishandling governance issues seriously needs addressing! If discomfort arises amongst audience due language choice employed herein.. It absolutely SHOULD given grave implications raised throughout discussion present context involved therein overall ramifications resulting thereof!“ However let’s tackle another misleading narrative circulating currently.. Shockingly enough , the Temporary Foreign Worker Program isn’t sole pathway accessing employment quick-service restaurant sectors exists across Canada including open work permit holders international students among others fully authorized working legally ! Suggesting singular Federal program ‘taking jobs’ simplistic view ignores complex labor market functioning. It also disregards true situation wherein many roles experiencing consistent shortages means eliminating lawful worker presence negatively impacts services increases costs hurting local businesses overall sustainability… Council didn’t ‘shut down debate’ either-they opted NOT pursue motion risking violation human rights protections duplicating prior efforts federally already undertaken thus exposing taxpayers unnecessary liabilities ultimately doing job responsibly!! Public discourse matters greatly yet maintains distinct boundaries distinguishing genuine debate distortion inappropriate attacks maintaining respect crucial must uphold elevate standards expecting professionalism always fostering constructive dialogues encouraging healthy exchanges centered around accurate information beneficial communities entire social fabric!! My duty entails amplifying neither misinformation nor entertaining flawed proposals passing off misrepresentations prioritizing safeguarding resident interests optimizing taxpayer dollars ensuring integrity local governance remains intact consistently! That commitment will never waver!!!! If some colleagues uneasy confronting inaccuracies-that falls outside my responsibilities handling professionally-you’re welcome engage constructively whilst resorting insults take approaches elsewhere focusing next Federal matter perceiving resolution possible! You can read the Mayors full statement here.
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We’re better than this-or most of us certainly are! Statement from Councillor Steve Lee This situation last night was completely unacceptable! No one should’ve had to experience what Councillor Victoria Bozinovski faced leaving work late at 11 PM trying simply head home safely! I witnessed it unfold alongside her-and such treatment should never occur within someone’s workplace environment! I want express gratitude towards Elizabeth Roy Mayor for her statement plus thanks go out too towards Whitby’s security team & DRPS ensuring she reached her car safely returning home afterward! p>Statement From Councillor Victoria Bozinovski
Over these past few days I’m observing surge attention including commentary/messages-a mix consisting mostly unthoughtful parts driven by misinformation surrounding all matters discussed here earlier today.. Let’s reset conversation focused only factual accuracy moving forward please..
The questioned motion fell outside municipal authority which isn’t merely an opinion but rather clear law outlining immigration policies remaining under Federal jurisdiction exclusively. Municipal councils lack capabilities regulating/revising anything related procurement procedures. Independent legal advice assured me pursuing such ideas might expose town potential litigation risks thereby violating existing regulations leading taxpayers incurred significant defending costs against challenges we likely lose anyways… Making rejection entirely reasonable based alone without further consideration required.
I called out garbage-language exhibited during discussions labeling xenophobic/racist sentiments firmly standing behind remarks made earlier tonight…. When proposals seek exclude LEGALLY authorized workers solely based citizenship/origin crossing critical lines separating good governance performing irresponsibly carrying severe implications affecting human rights matters equally. Dressing up request facts doesn’t transform reality itself identifying targeting individuals undermining policy direction legality versus mishandling governance issues seriously needs addressing! If discomfort arises amongst audience due language choice employed herein.. It absolutely SHOULD given grave implications raised throughout discussion present context involved therein overall ramifications resulting thereof!“ However let’s tackle another misleading narrative circulating currently.. Shockingly enough , the Temporary Foreign Worker Program isn’t sole pathway accessing employment quick-service restaurant sectors exists across Canada including open work permit holders international students among others fully authorized working legally ! Suggesting singular Federal program ‘taking jobs’ simplistic view ignores complex labor market functioning. It also disregards true situation wherein many roles experiencing consistent shortages means eliminating lawful worker presence negatively impacts services increases costs hurting local businesses overall sustainability… Council didn’t ‘shut down debate’ either-they opted NOT pursue motion risking violation human rights protections duplicating prior efforts federally already undertaken thus exposing taxpayers unnecessary liabilities ultimately doing job responsibly!! Public discourse matters greatly yet maintains distinct boundaries distinguishing genuine debate distortion inappropriate attacks maintaining respect crucial must uphold elevate standards expecting professionalism always fostering constructive dialogues encouraging healthy exchanges centered around accurate information beneficial communities entire social fabric!! My duty entails amplifying neither misinformation nor entertaining flawed proposals passing off misrepresentations prioritizing safeguarding resident interests optimizing taxpayer dollars ensuring integrity local governance remains intact consistently! That commitment will never waver!!!! If some colleagues uneasy confronting inaccuracies-that falls outside my responsibilities handling professionally-you’re welcome engage constructively whilst resorting insults take approaches elsewhere focusing next Federal matter perceiving resolution possible! You can read the Mayors full statement here.
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