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DEPUTATION BY THE FOLLOWING CONCERNING THE 2023 BUDGET AND BUSINESS PLAN - BARRIE POLICE SERVICES BUDGET:
Councillor, G. Harvey declared that to remain in compliance with his statutory obligations under Section 17(3) of the Police Services Act he was unable to participate in the discussions or vote on the foregoing matter. He did not participate in the discussion or vote on the matter. He left the Council Chambers.
1) Michael Speers provided a deputation concerning the 2023 Budget and Business Plan related to the Barrie Police Services Budget. He felt that the budget request is exorbitant and should not be approved by Barrie City Council. He discussed his opinion noting that if the police budget is approved, the police would be considered ahead of regular citizens of the community. Mr. Speers commented that he felt by adding more police officers it does not lead to a safer city.
Mr. Speers discussed the current financial issues people are experiencing with increases in rent, utilities, and groceries. He mentioned that the Barrie Police Services should not consider themselves out of the boundaries of fiscal restraint and responsibility. Mr. Speers discussed his opinions concerning that high police budgets starve other services and programs of important resources that could be put towards preventing crime. He commented that more funds should be invested in crime prevention services, resources, and programs. Mr. Speers mentioned that communities that have the least amount of crime have the most available resources and not more police officers. He expressed that community-based policing has nothing to do with the community and that funds should be reallocated to resources and services and defund the police.
A point of order was raised by Councillor, S. Morales.
Mr. Speers continued to discuss the police budget versus the societal difference between male-dominated jobs and ranks filled by females. He commented that high police budgets leave fewer resources for other community programs such as 24-hour warming centres.
Mr. Speers concluded by stating “we fund what we value, and we police what we don’t”.
2) Morgan Cope - The Deputation request was withdrawn prior to the meeting.