Petitioners:
The last few weeks provided a sobering view into the internal machinations of City Hall. The way Daniel Tate, co-writer of this petition was treated at Executive Committee, along with certain councillors labelling us as racists has tarnished the reputation of city council. This has harmed our city. And when Toronto hurts, Canada hurts.
We must send a strong message to our leaders that their conduct was unbecoming of elected officials and DEMAND they do better. A dose of humility would serve them well. As such, we are asking ALL signatories to this petition to file a formal complaint with the City’s Integrity Commissioner about the conduct of several councillors. This will send the message that abuse of democratic processes and constituents cannot be tolerated in society. To assist with your letter, here’s a recap of very troubling statements made over the last two weeks:
Chris Moise – Ward 13 (Toronto Centre)
June 18, 2024, at Executive Committee to deputant Daniel Tate: “You’re a racist bud. You’re racist”
Mike Colle – Ward 8 (Eglinton-Lawrence)
June 18, 2024, at Executive Committee: Continually admonishing Daniel Tate for not addressing Chris Moise as ‘Councillor Chris Moise’ when this citizen was not aware of committee protocol
June 18, 2024, at Executive Committee: Calling the petition a “platform for hate”
June 18, 2024, at Executive Committee stating that “Canada imported 12.5 million blacks across the Atlantic in chains” which is a false and dangerous statement
Gord Perks - Ward 4 (Parkdale – High Park)
June 18, 2024, at Executive Committee stating, “I will not listen to a petition, and I don’t care how many names are on it.”
June 27, 2024, at City Council meeting: “There’s a red under your bed,” and “The revolution is coming.” These are inappropriate statements when we know there is foreign interference in Canadian politics
Amber Morley – Ward 3 (Etobicoke-Lakeshore)
June 27, 2024, at City Council meeting stating, “We’ve proven that we can rename an asset with the quickness, without public consultation.”
Shelley Carroll – Ward 17 (Don Valley North)
June 27, 2024, at City Council meeting stating, “Am I in a tacit way calling people (read: petitioners) racist right now, oops I guess I am.”
Video resources:
Executive Committee deputation: https://youtu.be/n3fZ3S8FSvY?si=KehfJo0VqhRtihrU
City Council meeting: https://www.youtube.com/live/HBIqf7SHjpY?t=20700s
Call to Action!
We ask you to please take 5 minutes out of your day to file a formal complaint with the integrity commissioner. These councillors have violated their oath to exhibit professional conduct, breaching rule 11 which states, “Act with decorum at Council and committee meetings,” and rule 14 which states “A member must not engage with others, including the public, in a manner that is abusive, bullying, intimidating or derogatory.” https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/accountability-operations-customer-service/accountability-officers/integrity-commissioner/code-of-conduct-for-members-of-council/
Please fill out this form https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/8e1b-2022-10-20-FOR-Complaint-Form-City-Council.pdf and send by email to integrity@toronto.ca and Jonathan.Batty@toronto.ca
It's time to send a strong message that this behaviour and divisive rhetoric will not be tolerated. Let’s bring INTEGRITY back to City Hall.
The journey starts now.