Richmond Hill councillors wave patriotism in debate over removal of prayer

Start with oath of office, suggests resident

Yorkregion.com
May 12, 2015
By Kim Zarzour

A discussion about what should replace prayer at the start of Richmond Hill council meetings last night disintegrated into a debate over who, on council, is more patriotic and Canadian.

For years, councillors began public meetings with the inspirational words “We thank you, O Caring God...”

But a unanimous decision in April from Canada’s Supreme Court ruled that the state/municipalities must remain neutral and prayer infringes on freedom of conscience and religion.

For the first time last month, Richmond Hill council began its meeting without prayer, with Regional Councillor Brenda Hogg reading words of inspiration and Ward 1 Councillor Greg Beros reading the words of the national anthem.

This week, the process was somewhat less peaceful as councillors debated the issue for almost half an hour in public session, entered private discussion to receive further advice from the town solicitor, then resumed public debate for another 15 minutes, as councillors struggled to decide whether Hogg’s statement should be the official opener, or whether the national anthem should also be featured. In the end, council voted to adopt the statement crafted by Hogg, but not without a few slings and arrows shot behind the council bench.

Richmond Hill had been one of the rare municipalities which continued to hold prayer in advance of meetings.

Hogg proposed the following statement as an alternative:

“Tonight council comes together as representatives of our town to conduct the town’s business. We are glad to be joined by our many engaged citizens, both at home and with us here in council chambers tonight. May we use this time to hear from our residents; respond to the reports by the professional staff who inform us; and make fair and responsible decisions in the best interests of our community.”

“I think it’s important to recognize we are here on behalf of our community to make informed and fair decisions in their best interests,” she said.

She was supported by resident Wilhelm Bleek.

He suggested, in a delegation before council, that meetings begin with a confirmation of the oath taken last fall when councillors were elected - highlighting their role as representatives and citizens of the town and how they would behave with each other.

“Politics is ... the striving for the good ... whatever your differences. Don’t start right away into the business, but have a moment of bonding in a solemn remembering of what you, as a councillor of Richmond Hill, are doing for us.”

Beros then suggested the national anthem, which includes a reference to God, also be part of the opening ceremonies.

Not everyone on council agreed.

Several councillors noted that the playing of O Canada would make the opening ceremonies at each council meeting take considerably longer.

Others alluded to concerns that the anthem, like the prayer, could present legal issues.

Beros said that he is a very proud Canadian and pointed out that the Lions Club, the Rotary and schools all begin with the national anthem.

Ward 2 Councillor Tom Muench agreed.

“As a symbol of our community and more importantly, Canada, I do want to reflect that we are on guard for thee and that we do care and that we are here representing all,” he said. “Much of Canada and much of our residents will have a lot to say if we are saying that we do not represent and care for a basic foundation. Saying O Canada is nothing to be ashamed of.”

“It has nothing to do with shame,” Hogg said, referring to legal advice that was obtained in private session that should guide the decision.

“I have no objection to singing of O Canada; it is the national anthem of our country,” countered Regional Councillor Vito Spatafora. “To give a speech trying to embarrass members of council in saying they don’t want to sing the national anthem is not only misleading, it’s totally inappropriate.”

“I think this is getting to be way more complicated than it needs to be,” added Ward 4 Councillor David West.

Hogg’s statement  “grounds us, it reminds us why we’re here and I think it clearly states what it is we’re supposed to be doing as a council,” West said.

As a “mission statement”, the words are an appropriate way to begin council, said Ward 5 Councillor Karen Cilevitz.

“I am a proud Canadian ... and I adore our national anthem, but I absolutely agree with Regional Councillor Hogg that the playing of O Canada doesn’t have a place in the opening of a municipal council. It has a place when we’re celebrating our nationalism and events that have something to do with Canada.”

She added that she was offended by the statements made by Councillor Muench and urged her fellow councillors to work more co-operatively.

“This particular decision should not be producing this kind of conflict behind this council bench.”

Ward 6 Councillor Godwin Chan agreed with Cilevitz.

“This is a moment where we as a council, united together, thoughtfully begin a meeting process and make decisions in the best interest of our community.

“I am sure all nine of us are proud Canadians” he said, and pointed out the Canadian flag displayed in chambers alongside the town and provincial flags.

In a recorded vote, Beros, Castro Liu, Muench and Chan voted to add the national anthem to opening ceremonies, while a majority - Hogg, West, Cilevitz, Mayor Dave Barrow and Spatafora - voted against.

All councillors except Beros voted in favour of the call to order/statement provided by Hogg.

The neighbouring cities of Markham and Vaughan do not begin council meetings with any ceremonial anthem or statement.