Hamilton city council is causing controversy after proposing changes to its procedural bylaw, which governs how city hall meetings operate.
The new proposed bylaw states anyone who “speaks disrespectfully” to council may be booted from its public meetings.
READ MORE: Hamilton-area homeowner found not guilty in shooting death of man who broke into his truck
But some residents say that would violate people’s right to criticize their government.
Get breaking National news
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects people who criticize government decisions.
In the new proposed bylaw, presenters, councillors and audience members also can’t use “offensive words or unparliamentary language in or against council or any city employee.”
- Dozens of inmates released from Ontario jails every year because of ‘errors or oversight’
- Bell holds closed-door meeting with Saskatchewan landowners over AI data centre
- Kelowna woman gets second chance at life thanks to complete stranger
- Saskatoon Tribal Chief defends $975K wellness centre renovations
READ MORE: Burlington father charged in death of toddler left in vehicle has case put over until July 25
It also expands the mayor’s powers by giving him voting rights.
City staff will take another look at the draft bylaw before councillors vote on it.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.