SHERBROOKE — The Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s is pursuing a new flag policy after a staff report recommended the creation of one that defines when and where flags are flown, and to ensure fairness in recognizing diversity through flag-raising.
An organizer of planned Sherbrooke Pride events (originally scheduled for June, but postponed until later this summer), who attended the June 19 committee-of-the-whole meeting, where the new policy was discussed, says she is disappointed that the Pride flag was not flown in June, Pride Month, and questions the need for a policy now.
Tammie Vautour noted that other flags had been flown in the past without a specific policy, in order to raise awareness of issues such as Truth and Reconciliation and access awareness. These instances, she notes, also didn’t require a third flagpole, which is now being purchased, or completion of an application form, which will be required for groups not specifically listed in the policy.
“Reading their posted values on the wall at the last meeting… inclusive, fairness… just disappointed me more,” the local entrepreneur told The Journal, referring to a sign that hangs inside the municipal office building.
“The municipality is very proud of the fact that we are working on adopting a flag policy,” Warden Greg Wier told The Journal in an email response to follow up questions. “We know that having a policy is the way to ensure we recognize that flags are important symbols of honour and pride and must be treated in a respectful and consistent manner.”
Asked about criticism of these changes, Wier said: “The municipality is absolutely committed to treating all parts of our community with respect.”
The warden said the municipality is “excited about the great features that are going into our policy,” which names multiple groups and events where “the municipality will automatically fly flags, including the Pride flag, going forward, once the policy is adopted.”
He said council welcomes groups to come and speak to them, noting that they are waiting to hear from the local Pride committee regarding its plans.
“We specifically included a process where groups not listed in the policy can apply to have their flag flown,” said Wier. “We’re confident that we’re getting this right. After all, having a flag policy is a proven solution used by municipalities across the province and the entire country.”
New pole
Along with the flag policy recommendation, council approved a recommendation to purchase a third flagpole, which will be installed on the municipal office grounds at the intersection of Old Rd. Hill and Hwy. 7. It carries a price tag of $4,000, plus tax, which includes materials, shipping and installation.
“Having a unique pole available for additional flags is a key solution featured in most flag policies everywhere else,” said Wier. “A specific flagpole creates the needed space for the additional flags. The new pole is an asset that will benefit many groups in our community for years, if not decades.”
Deputy Warden James Fuller, the lone councillor to vote against the proposed purchase, told the committee that he did not feel it was a necessary expenditure, considering it is early in the year, when it comes to the municipal budget, and there is still much time to go.
During the meeting, Councillor Everett Baker said that all groups that do not promote hate or violence should have the opportunity to have their flag flown, as long as the Canadian flag is never taken down to accommodate them.
The proposed flag policy states that the Canadian flag will be the only one to hang from the municipality’s existing 30-foot pole.
The policy
The proposed policy also states that flags will be flown at half-mast during periods of mourning. And, if one is at half-mast, the same will be done with those on other poles at that time. The municipality will fly its flags at half-mast “in the event of a death or to commemorate a solemn occasion,” after approval from St. Mary’s chief administrative officer and based on prior consultation with the warden.
The draft policy includes provisions regarding when, if and how long the Canadian and municipal flags will be flown to mark the passing of people such as the prime minister and premier, along with police officers and firefighters who have died in the line of duty.
Also included are dates and events that will be recognized, including Access Awareness Week; Emancipation Day (Pan-African flag); Pride Month (Progress Pride flag); Transgender Awareness week (Transgender flag); International Transgender Day of Visibility (Transgender flag); African Heritage month (Pan-African flag); Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Mi’kmaq Grand Council flag); National Aboriginal Day (Mi’kmaq Grand Council flag); Mi’kmaq History month (Mi’kmaq Grand Council flag); and National Acadian Day (Acadian flag).
When it comes to flag-raisings not listed in the proposed policy, the municipality must receive a written request a minimum of 60 days in advance. The application will be considered and voted on by council. If approved, the group must provide the flag to be flown. If council decides a flag will be flown on a recurring basis, the municipality will then purchase it.
Also, the municipality won’t fly flags for commercial entities; political, religious or partisan groups; or groups that promote hatred, racism, violence or discrimination. The draft policy states that council reserves the right to reject any request and/or flag that doesn’t comply with St. Mary’s bylaws.
If passed by council, the flag policy will be reviewed at least every four years.
For further information or for an application form for flying a flag, visit saint-marys.ca
