Council forgets the majority
Re: Board approves 2021 police budget, sets stage for limited increases in future. Nov. 25.
Ottawa Council's 2021 budget is sending the message that if you are not white and economically advantaged, Ottawa may not be the city for you. The devastating effects of the pandemic have highlighted the importance of investing in the social determinants of health, yet this message is falling on deaf ears.
After the disgraceful arrests of peaceful protesters last weekend, most of whom were Black and Indigenous, the Ottawa Police Services Board had a record 92 public delegates registered to speak. Chair Diane Deans began by declaring her mind was made up about the proposed $13.2-million budget increase, which poses the question: Why waste peoples' time if their impassioned pleas will not change the outcome?
Despite this, delegates courageously shared their views and almost unanimously opposed the increase. They instead wanted the money invested in housing, social services, mental health and a non-police crisis response service. Many speakers with extensive expertise proposed thoughtful solutions. Despite community advocacy, the increase was approved.
This outcome was disappointing but not surprising, given other council decisions. Despite declaring a housing emergency, councillors approved the demolition of 120 low-income townhomes in Manor Village and Cheryl Gardens, even after protests from devastated residents.
The $15-million housing budget increase is woefully inadequate to rebuild homes for these families and the 12,500 people on the waitlist for affordable housing.
Transit fares will increase by 2.5 per cent, delivering a blow to both low-income residents and climate action. And affirming that the declaration of a climate emergency was lip service, council made decisions that will have devastating environmental consequences, including the expansion of the urban boundary, $113 million to widen 3.3 kilometres on Strandherd Road and allocating only $2.6 million to Energy Evolution.
These decisions do not serve the majority of Ottawa citizens, especially our racialized and vulnerable populations, who have been disproportionately affected by a pandemic that rages on. It seems some members of council are forgetting whose interests they represent. The citizens of Ottawa deserve better.
Dr. Brianna McKelvie,
Pediatrician, Ottawa
Dr. Eugenie Frances,
Family Physician, Ottawa