Vancouver City Council

1. Maintaining Respect for Democracy in Vancouver (File 1251)

MOVER: Councillor Sullivan
SECONDER: Councillor

The following Motion was submitted by Councillor Sullivan for the Regular Council meeting on October 5, 2004. However, Councillor Louie called Notice under Section 5.4(c) of the Procedure By-law. The Motion will be considered at the next Regular Council meeting on Thursday, October 7, 2004 immediately following the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment

WHEREAS,

- During the September 28^th Vancouver City Council meeting a group of people attended and due to their shouting and abusive behavior prevented the Council from conducting business for one hour.

- The Counsel General of France had come to address the Council and one of Vancouver’s fine musicians was scheduled to perform and neither of them were able to present to the Council.

- Democratic government is an achievement that deserves the respect of all its citizens.

- The democratic processes of Vancouver work for the benefit of all its citizens and should not be compromised by any group.
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- In previous Council meeting during this term Council has tolerated interruptions by protesters give the impression that it is acceptable to disrupt the functioning of a democratic institution.

- Our Council has mechanisms to allow everyone with concerns about the city’s decisions to be heard in an organized and civilized manner.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT City staff be asked to provide options on ways to ensure that democratic processes be respected and permitted to function and that the rules of Council be observed.