By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
The Town of Osoyoos is moving to address the problem of personal and defamatory attacks on municipal leaders, staff, contractors and volunteers by pushing for legislative changes.
To accomplish this the town is working to drum up support amongst other municipalities, local government associations and the province.
Osoyoos will first be taking the matter to the upcoming Southern Interior Local Government Association (SILGA) meetings (April 30 – May 3) in the form of a resolution calling for legislative reform aimed at:
• Strengthening the protection of municipal leaders against unfounded, defamatory, and malicious accusations;
• Upholding principles of freedom of speech and transparency;
• Ensuring that the existing legal frameworks adequately address the issue of personal and defamatory attacks on municipal leaders.
It will then raise the issue at the fall Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) meetings (September 16 – 20).
The local situation plumbed the depths of decency over the 2024 budget leading to a “concerning rise in the frequency and severity of personal and defamatory attacks directed toward municipal leaders (including Council members and staff),” reads the report to council.
The harassment has and continues to take many forms including at an early protest in front of town hall ahead of the Nov. 23, 2023 open council meeting a noose was thrown over the Osoyoos sign on Main St. briefly before fellow protestors demanded it be removed; town staff harassed by phone and in person at town hall; council members, staff, volunteers and contractors harassed at work and during their own private time around town; and on social media there was no end to the personal attacks including one suggestion that the Osoyoos CAO be dragged by a chain around his ankle back to Alberta.
An example of threats made against Osoyoos CAO Rod Risling on social media. Screen capture from Facebook.
The report goes on to note that these attacks are made through various channels, including social media, and create “a hostile working environment and hinder the ability of municipal leaders to carry out their duties effectively.”
“The repercussions of defamatory personal attacks extend beyond the municipal realm and can detrimentally affect Council members who are working professionals by impacting their livelihood.
“The damaging effects of the personal attacks are not confined to professional settings; they often infiltrate into the personal lives of both staff and municipal council members, including incidents outside of business hours.”
The Town reiterated its commitment to ensuring it is a “safe and professional workplace where staff, contractors, and volunteers are treated with respect and dignity.”
It also reiterated its commitment to providing a workplace “free from discrimination, bullying, and harassment and complying with the Workers Compensation Act and Occupational Health and Safety Act.”
“Addressing the issue of personal and defamatory attacks on municipal leaders is crucial for maintaining the integrity of our local government and ensuring the well-being of our community,” Brianne Hillson, Director of Corporate Services said in her report.
By advocating for legislative changes through a resolution to SILGA and UBCM, the town is hoping that by taking proactive steps it can foster “a more respectful and constructive public discourse.”
The Town of Osoyoos resolution to Silga around which it hopes to foster legislative change.
