After a long and sometimes circular debate, Chatham-Kent will work on developing a policy and protocol regarding which flags will fly outside of the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre and municipal service centre.
An initial motion from North Kent representative Rhonda Jubenville to only fly the Chatham-Kent, Ontario, and Canadian flags on municipal property failed in a 12-5 vote. Her motion was also amended to allow for exemptions for certain flags as per council’s decision.
Jubenville said she brought in her motion because one group—Life In Motion– was discriminated against and ignored when they approached the mayor’s office regarding a potential flag raising.
Life In Motion is the educational division of the Chatham-Kent Right to Life organization.
Jubenville said she will continue to advocate for Life In Motion and others to be recognized and have their flag flown and represented.
Following the failed vote, Chatham councillor Marjorie Crew brought in the successful motion to have the municipality develop a flag policy.
Crew’s motion will have administration develop protocols to prove clear direction and framework for the proper and consistent use of flags and flagpoles at all municipal facilities.
The draft policy is expected to be brought back to council in September of this year for council to vote on.
Meantime, Jubenville has been left somewhat shaken by negative messages following her initial motion, saying there were at least two instances of people wishing her dead and another person messaged Jubenville saying they put a witch’s spell on her.
“All because I feel our three government flags are what are needed outside our municipal centres,” Jubenville said.
Jubenville said she was surprised at the level of hate that she has received in the past couple of weeks. She said she had talked to the police to make them aware of what was happening.
Chatham-Kent mayor Darrin Canniff made a rare interjection during Monday night’s meeting, noting that death wishes are unacceptable.
“We are here as a society to make us better, so death threats or anything along that line is unacceptable.” Canniff said, adding people can get their points across without being nasty.
Crew said what Jubenville experienced was “unforgiveable and unacceptable in this community.”
