Back to the Basics - RESPECT and EQUITY for ALL RESIDENTS

By creating this project and platform, I believe it is highlighting differences, segregation and focusing on further labelling of specific groups.

How about highlighting the fact that we are all the SAME ?

1st and foremost HUMAN BEINGS that ALL deserve the same respect and equity.

We already have laws, by-laws, policies that should address equality for ALL RESIDENTS,

but,

they have to be enforced to make everyone accountable for their actions.

As a Municipality in Ontario, Brant County ALREADY must follow (just to name a few):

- the Municipal ACT (Role of Council, Councillors and Staff)

- this already includes:

- provide clear policy decisions and directions
- develop policies in an open and consistent manner
- adopt policies that complement and reinforce staff efforts to improve administrative operations

- The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Municipalities, like other governments, must comply with the protections afforded to Canadian civil liberties under the Charter. The whole purpose of the Charter is to protect citizens’ rights.

- Brant County’s existing signing and agreeing of the “Inclusion Charter” May 29/2024.

- Procedural Restrictions: Even though a municipality and its council may have the power to do something, it must follow required procedures to validly act. Hearings must be held in accordance with the rules. Notices must be given as specified. Council meetings must be properly constituted and decisions made in public session. A failure to follow proper process can defeat an otherwise valid exercise of jurisdiction. Often these procedural requirements are found in other legislation, such as The Planning Act

Everyone has their own story of discrimination and inequality, usually by people of perceived power and here is mine,

BUT,

I don't think a separate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy be made up for me :

I am a human being first,

a Canadian,

a Brant County taxpayer,

(a retired professional, female, and white - for reference only and should have no bearing on how I am treated)

Despite my diverse roles, I have experienced numerous negative interactions with the County, including many subjective and biased scenarios rather than supported by facts:

1.Threats of Fines: My family and I were threatened with fines of up to $10,000 twice. They were based on inaccurate, subjective info, despite existing County Bylaws that did not support the accusation and no evidence could be provided otherwise.

2.Permits and Denials: We have had two permit applications denied without merit or concrete bylaws to support, dependent only on County personnel’s subjective views and also 2 permits that were delayed due to inconsistent information provided by the County.

3.Blocked Communication: Emails to the CAO, the Mayor and a Councillor have been blocked, which hinders my ability to communicate with the County as well as voicemails going unanswered. Contacted Brant County IT after the initial blocks and somehow it was “fixed” in order to become a speaker at Council meetings. Presently, I am blocked again. This website and project was also unavailable to my registered account for 1 week.

4.Unfair Labels: I have been labeled as an Activist while advocating for my community’s safety.

5.Dismissive Comments: I was told I am "just a housewife," by Management, dismissing any of my past work or life qualifications and contributions.

6.Disrespectful Interactions: I have encountered disrespectful conversations and meetings. “Shut her down”, “info ends up in garbage”, accused of spreading misinformation when Brant County was caught in a lie.

7.Inequality: Brant County’s tax department sends letters / tax bills with the male name always listed first. When this issue was addressed with Brant County, the response given was that "it's just the way we've always done it." This outdated practice does not align with modern principles of equity and respect. By the way, my name starts with “A”, so it was not done alphabetically.

8.Has my name been Flagged negatively by Brant County? Every recent interaction including lost mail, Council motions that were approved yet not moving forward, conversations forgotten, misrepresentation to Ombudsman of Ontario and Will Bouma’s office that Brant County is "working with me", lost freedom of information requests, changing deadlines so that my information can no longer be added to Council meetings, Petitions deemed as heresay, Council decisions made “in camera” (meaning off camera), I was requested to stop calling and emailing the County of Brant…

These experiences indicate a significant problem with how Brant County presently handles RESIDENTS' communication, respect & equity internally, despite already having an existing code of conduct.

Upon trying to enter a complaint, even Brant County’s Integrity Commissioner said no one has ever won against the Municipality…

To address these concerns and bring about meaningful change in Brant County, several steps can be taken:

1. Policy Review and Revision

•Anti-Discrimination Policies: Implement stricter policies to ensure they adequately address and prevent discrimination and combat bias and hold people accountable.

•Clear Guidelines: Establish clear guidelines on respectful communication and behavior towards ALL residents.

2. Training and Education

•Sensitivity and Awareness Training: Implement mandatory sensitivity and diversity training for all county officials and staff about the importance of equity and respect for ALL RESIDENTS.

3. Improving Communication

•Open Channels: Ensure all communication channels remain open and accessible to ALL RESIDENTS.

•Feedback Mechanism: Create a transparent system for residents to provide feedback and report issues without fear of retribution or being blocked.

4. Updating Practices

•Documentation Procedures: Update practices such as listing names on property tax documents to reflect modern principles of equity.

•Review Processes: Regularly review processes to ensure they are fair and just for EVERYONE

5. Accountability and Transparency

•Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits of county practices and policies to ensure compliance with anti-discrimination laws.

- Watch, listen, then Hold people accountable for their actions if contravening County practices and policies

- "In Camera" (meaning off camera) meetings should ONLY be held if litigation matters involved (be transparent in discussions, motions, decisions)

Taking these steps can help create a more respectful and inclusive environment in Brant County.

It's essential to ensure that ALL RESIDENTS feel valued and heard, and that their concerns are addressed with seriousness and empathy.

I hope this letter serves as a catalyst for positive change.

Thank you for your attention to these matters.