NEWS RELEASE
RALLY FOR DEMOCRACY
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In response to the introduction of Bill 31, which invokes the notwithstanding clause to override charter rights, residents in Orillia and area will be gathering to stand up for democracy.
When: Monday, September 17, 7:00 PM
Where: 210 Memorial Avenue, Unit 108 (Constituency Office), Orillia
Event Page: www.facebook.com/events/282006445966326/
Last week the Ontario Superior Court ruled Bill 5, the Better Local Government Act, unconstitutional. The legislation, which was introduced in the middle of the municipal election campaign, would have reduced Toronto City Council from 47 wards to 25 as well as cancelled several regional chair elections. In response to the ruling, the Ontario government announced it would invoke the notwithstanding clause (Section 33) to override the ruling in the form of Bill 31.
“We can’t stand by while Doug Ford side-steps the courts and overrides our democratic rights just to carry out personal vendettas,” said Dennis Rizzo, one of the event organizers. “Making changes in Toronto could easily have waited until after the municipal election. Creating a crisis, then blaming the resulting chaos on people opposed to the cavalier application of Section 33, tells us how Mr Ford plans to operate in the future. Does Mr Ford intend to apply this to other legislation? Where does it stop?”
“We cannot let this precedent go forward. People in Simcoe North are going to hold Jill Dunlop accountable,” added Olivia Duck.
All residents concerned about the weakening of democracy, Bill 31, and the use of the notwithstanding clause are encouraged to attend and make their voices heard. Members of the public are also encouraged to write letters, send emails, and make phone calls to urge local MPPs to stand up for democracy by voting against Bill 31.
MPP contact information can be found at www.ola.org/en/members/current.
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