Collingwood took another step forward in advocating for federal change to hate speech laws this week.
A resolution brought forward by the Town of Collingwood to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) calling on the federal government to clearly define hate speech and hate symbols was passed with more than 90 per cent support during Thursday's FCM 2021 Annual Conference.
“I’m really proud that our little town is having a very positive and necessary impact on all Canadian municipalities and the future of all Canadians,” said Coun. Kathy Jeffery, who also sits on the FCM board of directors.
“I think we can be proud of our efforts,” she said.
The resolution that passed specifically calls on the federal government to address hate speech in two ways: through legislation that clarifies and strengthens the definition of hate speech including recognizing the harmful effect of hate symbols, and through engagement with all orders of government to address the root causes of hate speech.
It also asks for explicit recognition of the psychological harm that can be caused by hateful symbols.
Coun. Jeffery led the push to bring the resolution forward, along with the help of town staff and the Unity Collective. Mayor Brian Saunderson also attended as the resolution sponsor’s representative.
“It was very widely supported and embraced. (We) were thanked for our leadership in bringing it forward. It’s a victory (considering) the events we had in Collingwood, and a step forward,” said Saunderson. “It’s recognition that we, in Collingwood, are not only making a difference here, but also provincially and nationally.”
Out of about 100 members, Jeffery said more than 90 voted in favour of the resolution.
“Acts of hate and discrimination take place in countless communities every day, but local leaders can’t tackle these issues alone,” said Garth Frizzell, president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. “FCM is calling on the federal government to be a partner in addressing these issues head-on to ensure that the places we call home are more accepting and inclusive now and for future generations.”
Moving forward, the FCM resolution will be sent to federal ministers, who will look at making changes in legislation to clearly define hate symbols and hate speech.
“The best way to strike an appropriate balance between free speech and hate speech is to make sure we clearly define what is hate speech, and therefore, not free speech,” said Saunderson.
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities has been the national voice of municipal government since 1901. Members include more than 2,000 municipalities of all sizes and 20 provincial and territorial municipal associations. Together, they represent more than 90 per cent of all Canadians.