By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
Osoyoos is resubmitting its resolution aimed at legislative reform countering defamatory and malicious accusations against municipal leaders and to ensure a safe and harassment free work environment for staff.
The town’s resolution titled “Personal and Defamatory Attacks on Local Government Leaders” was approved at the 2024 Southern Interior Local Government Association (SILGA) convention for presentation at the 2024 Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) convention. But due to insufficient time for Osoyoos’ resolution to be heard at the UBCM conference, it will now be considered by the UBCM Executive in February 2025.
Should it not be endorsed by the Executive Committee it will then be addressed by the SILGA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Convention in Merritt this coming April 29 – May 2.
The resolution was drafted after unhappiness over the tax increase last year saw a small group of Osoyoos residents continually harass and defame council members and town staff, resulting in at least three key staff quitting to take up positions in other municipalities.
The legislative reform includes strengthening protection of municipal leaders against unfounded, defamatory, and malicious accusations; Upholding principles of freedom of speech and transparency; Ensuring existing legal frameworks adequately address the issue of personal and defamatory attacks; and ensuring a safe and professional workplace where staff, contractors, and volunteers are treated with respect and dignity.
“By advocating for legislative changes through a resolution to SILGA and UBCM, we can take proactive steps toward fostering a more respectful and constructive public discourse,” the report to council said..
