LETHBRIDGE- It was one of the worst mass shootings in the history of the RCMP, and on Tuesday the three Moncton officers killed in the line of duty were remembered. Flags were lowered across Canada to honour the fallen Mounties—except at Lethbridge’s city hall.
Lethbridge Mayor Chris Spearman says that in May 2014, the city adopted a new flag policy. It was put forward by council to ensure that flags at city hall are flown in a consistent manner. However, Spearman admits the policy has major flaws.
“First I would like to apologize to those who are upset. This was no intention to disrespect. This is a new policy, and what the situation did was expose a flaw in the policy where we could not react quickly enough to the situation,” Spearman explained. “This was a circumstance that was not covered, and now we have to take a look at the situations that become a national importance.”
The city’s newly adopted policy states:
“If consenus cannot be reached among the mayor, deputy mayor and acting mayor, the proposed variance is to be discussed at the next regularly scheduled meeting of council.”
Spearman says it is this statement that has caused the flag controversy.
“Is it appropriate that we have to wait two weeks? That’s what the police dictates, so I think that’s a serious flaw.”
Although the mistake has been recognized, it is those people who feel the tragedy went unacknowledged that are left looking for an apology.
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