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DEPUTATION BY MICHAEL SPEERS CONCERNING MOTION 21-G-279, 2022 BUSINESS PLAN - BARRIE POLICE SERVICES BOARD
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 left in the Council Chambers.
Councillor N. Harris stated that that in consultation with the Integrity Commissioner regarding her Code obligations, including those that arise under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. Although, Councillor, N. Harris did not have a pecuniary interest in the matter that required her to abstain from voting on this matter, in accordance with her obligations under the Council and Committee Code of Conduct and upon advice of the Integrity Commissioner, she did not participate or vote on the foregoing matter. She left the virtual City Council meeting.
Michael Speers discussed the Barrie Police Service (BPS) 2022 Budget request and his call for significant cuts to the BPS Budget. He asked that the City reallocate 10 percent of this year's Police Budget to better fund services such as transit, infrastructure improvements, youth programing environmental initiatives and other services. Mr. Speers also asked that the City commit to working with the Community to develop a workable plan.
Mr. Speers provided his opinion on policing being an outdated concept rooted in colonialism and racism, is an expensive and substandard way to prevent crime, and a discriminatory way to maintain justice in the community. He discussed the need for alternative ways than policing and a more hopeful and positive road to safety, and security for the community by transferring taxpayer dollars away from the police.
Mr. Speers expressed that Council needs to get priorities set right for the City and should be a place where everybody is safe and supportive and access to services the community need. He asked that Council not stick to...
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