The residents of the Township of Madoc have been unjustly limited in our free speech by the newly created restrictions within the By-law 1683-2023 whereby delegations have been limited to speaking for only five minutes, one delegation per matter regardless of Councils decision to draw out a matter important to residents, and only three delegates per Council meeting.

If this recently rewritten By-law stays as is, the voices of our small Community will not be heard and put on record against matters that directly impact the residents.  For example, any opposition as to how grant money is spent may be undermined with the inability to speak on the topic by more than one resident, or with enough time at the microphone to explain to other residents and Council a better way to approach said monies.  Additionally, if Council decides to table the topic for another meeting, residents will not be able to speak to the same topic unless the clerk grants you permission based on new information.

Immediate action to changing these restrictions is paramount for the residents on a whole so that our voices may be heard and democracy functions appropriately.  Standing firmly against those who make new policies and by-laws that essentially take away our right to free speech may stop them from doing it again.  Our Community deserves a transparent system that creates communication and inclusiveness.