Lisa Robinson： Governments Must Remain Neutral Ensuring All People Are Equally Represented
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Summary
In this episode, Councillor Lisa Robinson addresses a matter brought forward to the Integrity Commissioner regarding her alleged code of conduct regarding flying flags of special interest groups on government buildings in Pickering, Ontario. She argues that this flies in contravention of the City of Pickering's own policy regarding flag raising.
Transcript
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Today, I want to address an important issue that my fellow members of Council have brought
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forward to the Integrity Commissioner regarding my alleged Code of Conduct because I believe that
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we as elected officials and as the municipal government must remain neutral, impartial,
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and serve the interests of all of our citizens irrespective of their affiliations or their
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beliefs and for the fact that I believe in this state of neutrality. I attempted to bring forward
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a viewpoint to Council for debate that represents the majority of constituents in Pickering,
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that government institutions must remain neutral and unbiased by way of a notice of motion that
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would no longer support flying flags of any kind of special interest groups and instead
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only fly governmental flags and the veterans flag. Our Canadian flag is a symbol that brings together
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people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs all under one national identity.
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The Canadian flag represents us all. Only a few short months ago the town of Norwich debated their flag
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policy and passed a resolution in support of only flying governmental flags on government buildings.
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While it is essential to respect the diversity and freedom of expression within our society,
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it is also the belief of many Ontarians that flying these flags on governmental buildings creates a
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hierarchy and goes against the principles of equality and impartiality. Government buildings such as city halls,
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schools, and libraries are meant to represent all citizens and promote the values of inclusivity and unity.
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They serve as symbols of our collective identity and the principles upon which our nation is built.
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By flying special interest group flags on these buildings, we risk creating a hierarchy to prioritize
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a certain group over another, undermining the fundamental principles of equality and fairness that our society
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has tried so hard to uphold. It is important to acknowledge that special interest groups play a vital role in
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advocating for their causes and promoting social change. Their flags, symbols, and emblems represent their values,
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their struggles, and their aspirations. However, it is crucial to also differentiate between the right to express
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oneself and the responsibility of government institutions to remain neutral and unbiased.
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When government buildings fly special interest group flags, it can send a message that certain causes
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or groups are favored over others. This could lead to a sense of exclusion among those whose causes
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are not represented, creating divisions within our society. It is vital that government institutions remain
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impartial, ensuring that all citizens feel equally represented and valued. Moreover, the flying of
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special interest group flags on government buildings can blur the lines between advocacy and the functions
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of good governance. Governments are responsible for serving the interests of all citizens, irrespective of
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their affiliations or their beliefs. By displaying specific flags, there is a risk of blurring these lines,
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leading to questions about the government's ability to act in the best interests of all citizens,
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regardless of their specific causes or affiliations. Furthermore, the flying of special interest group flags
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can also give rise to perception of favoritism or preferential treatment. It is essential that government
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institutions are seen as impartial and fair, ensuring that all citizens are treated equally under the law.
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Displaying specific flags may create a perception that certain groups are given preferential treatment,
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eroding public trust and confidence in government institutions. In conclusion, while it is crucial to
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respect the rights and special interest groups to express themselves, it is equally important to maintain
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the impartiality and equality of government institutions. Flying these flags on government buildings was
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creating a hierarchy that favors certain causes over others, undermining the principles of fairness and
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equality. In the Corporation of the City of Pickering's flag raising procedure under Section 4.01, it states that
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requests for flag displays and flag raising ceremonies shall not be approved for matters of political
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controversy or ideological beliefs. It also states that any matter is designed to incite hatred, discrimination,
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or disorder that can also not be raised. In my opinion, we as a corporation in the City of Pickering are not
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abiding by our own flag raising procedure and I believe that we can do better. I believe that we can become a
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society where all citizens feel equally represented and valued under one flag. We are government institution
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and we must remain neutral and unbiased. I'm Lisa Robinson, Pickering City Councillor,
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and I'm truly grateful for your time and attention. Thank you and God bless.