Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
STRATHROY-CARADOC - During the November 4 council meeting, Council deliberated on a proposal to limit the types of flags displayed on municipal property. Councillor Brian Derbyshire introduced the motion, suggesting that only the Canadian, provincial, and municipal flags be flown on municipal grounds. Derbyshire explained his intent as a precautionary step, referencing a 1995 case in London where then-Mayor Dianne Haskett and city council faced fines from the Ontario Human Rights Commission after denying a Pride proclamation request.
“My intention was not to upset and rattle this,” Derbyshire stated, adding, “I was trying to put our municipality, both our policies, in line with each other.” He shared his concerns, saying, “If we do nothing, we can always say you can’t be told you’re discriminating because we do nothing. We’re not discriminating because nobody gets to do it.”
Despite his explanations, council members stood firmly against the motion. Councillor John Brennan requested a recorded vote, emphasizing the importance of transparency on this issue. The vote proceeded, with Deputy Mayor Mike McGuire, Councillors Donna Pammer, Steve Pelkman, Brennan (who also cast a vote on behalf of Councillor Frank Kennes), Greg Willsie, and Sandi Hipple, as well as Mayor Colin Grantham, all voting “no.” Derbyshire remained the lone supporter of the motion, noting, “I do believe that we need to align ourselves the right way so that we are not putting ourselves in jeopardy.”
Following the meeting, community reactions poured in, especially from groups advocating for inclusivity. Strathroy Pride, a local LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, voiced gratitude to both the council and community members through a statement on Facebook, recalling their first Pride flag-raising ceremony in 2020 and its impact. They emphasized that the presence of inclusive flags on municipal grounds serves as a powerful message of support and visibility for different groups, including on significant days like Truth and Reconciliation Day.
This decision reinforces Strathroy-Caradoc’s commitment to maintaining inclusive symbols on public grounds.
