In the November 2020 edition of the OLA ENews, we reported on a win for the East Gwillimbury Landowners. https://ontariolandowners.ca/a-win-for-the-east-gwillimbury-landowners-association-by-russ-robson-east-gwillimbury/
By all accounts, it appears that this county group is continuing to fight against municipal overreach. According to Gather 2020, “in 2019 when Russ Robson formed the East Gwillimbury Landowners Association (EGLA). Russ, John Gamble, and numerous residents banded together to prevent the town from environmentally planning 25,000 acres of private property and 2,000 acres of public property.
In the fall of 2023, the association was reactivated as the York Simcoe Landowners Association https://yorksimcoe.ontariolandowners.ca/ with a broader goal of addressing similar issues across the region. John Gamble, a dedicated advocate for property rights and local governance, initiated a constitutional appeal against the town of East Gwillimbury on January 1, 2024. This appeal, focused on the procedures surrounding deputations, seeks to declare these procedures unconstitutional and force the town to bring them into compliance with the Canadian Constitution. The appeal is at the factum stage. He has submitted an affidavit outlining the unconstitutional nature of current municipal procedures. Key points include:
- Deputation Denial Practices: The town council’s procedure of screening deputations permits them to arbitrarily deny permission to present.
- Foreign Influence: Evidence showing adherence to dictates from the United Nations, as revealed in a critical deputation denial letter (Orillia). This raises significant concerns about external control over local governance in Canada.
- Lack of Proper Procedures in Council Minutes: Instances where council minutes failed to accurately reflect the decisions made, specifically the fact that council refused to record that the deputation was voted not to be received.
- Unreasonable Time Limits: A 5-minute limit on deputations fails to allow a deputant adequate time to explain complex subjects. Additionally, groups wishing to speak may be forced to choose only one deputant to represent all.
- Additional Impediments to Public Input:
- Inadequate, vague, or late advertising of meeting agendas.
- The public (other than the deputant) is not allowed to ask questions except at statutory public meetings.
- Any indication by the general public indicating approval or disapproval of a deputation is prohibited.
- The chair’s ability to declare any deputation over at any time or for any reason is unreasonable.
- The practice that council refuses to answer a deputant’s questions is unconscionable.”
Says Gather 2030 “John Gamble’s constitutional appeal is a pivotal step toward ensuring that municipal governance in Canada adheres to constitutional principles. By addressing the unconstitutional practices surrounding deputations and highlighting the influence of foreign entities, this appeal aims to set a standard for municipalities nationwide. Public support, legal expertise, and community mobilization are crucial to driving this initiative to success. Stay informed and get involved. Together, we can safeguard our rights and ensure a more transparent and accountable local government.
Stay Connected:
- Email: cherokee140d@gmail.com
- KICLEI: kiclei.ca
Join us in the fight for our constitutional rights and local governance!”
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