Angela Caputo wants crackdown on harassment by municipal leaders

Angela Caputo, who joined city council in November representing Ward 3, is wasting no time trying to enact change.

Coun. Caputo has drafted three resolutions on the agenda for Tuesday's city council meeting, including one aimed at making municipal leaders comply with workplace violence and harassment policies.

The following is the full text of her three resolutions:

Support for Bill 5 – Stopping Harassment and Abuse by Local Leaders Act

Mover: Coun. A. Caputo
Seconder: Coun. L. Vezeau-Allen

Whereas municipally elected leaders do not have an appropriate accountability structure when it comes to perpetrating violence and harassment in the workplace; and

Whereas a fundamental, underlying principle of broadening diversity, equity and inclusion in politics rests on the assumption that the workplace is safe; and

Whereas Bill 5, the Stopping Harassment and Abuse by Local Leaders Act would require councillors to comply with the workplace violence and harassment policies of the municipality they represent, permit municipalities to direct the integrity commissioner to apply to the court to vacate a member’s seat for failing to comply with the municipality’s workplace violence and harassment policies as well as restrict officials whose seat has been vacated from seeking immediate subsequent re-election; and

Whereas over 20 municipalities have formally endorsed and communicated public support for Bill 5; and

Whereas Bill 5 would both hold accountable and protect all municipal officials;

Nowtherefore be resolved that Sault Ste. Marie City Council express its support for Bill 5, Stopping Harassment and Abuse by Local Leaders Act;

Further that this resolution be circulated to the Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, Ross Romano, MPP for Sault Ste. Marie, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, and MPP Stephen Blais (Orleans).

Anti-Hate Advisory Committee

Mover: Coun. A. Caputo
Seconder Coun. C. Gardi

Whereas an Anti-Hate Advisory Committee would raise awareness and organize education on hate and action on anti-hate in Sault Ste. Marie; and

Whereas being an active participant in anti-hate education and activities is necessary to being a true ally and welcoming community; and

Whereas instances related to diversity, discrimination, hate and extremism, racial equity, anti-Black racism, racism against Indigenous peoples, homophobia, xenophobia, Islamophobia, anti-semitism, and the lived experiences of persons of colour need to be recognized and addressed in order for us to continue on the path of being a welcoming and progressive community; and

Whereas implementing an anti-hate advisory committee would complement existing structures and further show our commitment to ensuring equitable engagement as well as continuing to welcome and embrace diverse groups.

Now therefore be it resolved that staff initiate discussions with diverse groups and report back to council with recommendations on the creation of an Anti-Hate Committee, the structure for said committee, and the potential outcomes from the work of said committee.

Fruit-Bearing Trees

Mover: Coun. A. Caputo
Seconder:  Coun. S. Hollingsworth

Whereas the City of Sault Ste Marie is committed to planting trees annually; and

Whereas fruit-bearing trees can help to combat food security issues and bring forth opportunities for education regarding the origins of food and how to grow it; and

Whereas planting fruit-bearing trees could create potential community growth and development, including events to pick and bring home fruit, education sessions on growing, cooking classes and more;

Now therefore be it resolved that appropriate staff be requested to review and report back to council regarding the feasibility of procurement and planting of fruit-bearing trees within the city as part of the city's current new tree allotment.