Councillor Kim Huffman brought a motion to the floor on Tuesday, asking her fellow councillors to stand with other municipalities across Ontario in opposing Bill 5, a controversial piece of legislation introduced by the provincial government.
The proposed bill has been a lightning rod for criticism due to its sweeping changes, which revoke various regulations related to development. Opponents say the changes could have serious consequences for land‑use planning, environmental protection, reduced environmental safeguards, and altered procurement practices and accountability.
Around the table, Norfolk County’s elected officials were divided.
Councillor Linda Vandendressche was the first to speak on the matter.
While Vandendressche acknowledged that she has some reservations about certain elements of Bill 5, she expressed belief that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
Councillor Chris Van Paassen agreed with Vandendressche, stating that he didn’t believe sending a letter to Queen’s Park saying, “We don’t like this,” would accomplish much. In fact, he argued that if that were the end goal, a deputation making the same point wouldn’t be entertained in council chambers.
Van Paassen added that while he doesn’t support every part of the legislation, he feels it still has merit and doesn’t want to “throw the baby out with the bath water.”
Although Huffman gave a broad outline of her motion, no councillor spoke in favour of it when it came to the floor.
In the end, the motion was defeated, and council will not be sending a letter to the Ford government expressing its opposition.
The motion was supported by Councillors Kim Huffman, Adam Veri, Tom Masschaele, and Doug Bruton.
It was opposed by Councillors Linda Vandendressche, Chris Van Paassen, Alan Duthie, Mike Columbus, and Mayor Amy Martin.