Chow defends councillors’ right to protest
Mayor Olivia Chow has no plans to condemn some city councillors for supporting Torontonians’ right to protest following a pro-Palestinian demonstration that included clashes with police officers.
“Whether they are councillors, a deputy mayor or ordinary citizens, they have the right, under the Charter of Freedoms, to assemble, to have their voice heard,” Chow told reporters Monday, responding to a question about the police officers’ union demand that she criticize the councillors’ actions.
“I’m not into condemning anyone,” the mayor said. “I believe it’s important, if people want to express themselves publicly, to do so in a respectful, peaceful and lawful manner. So the councillors are expressing their opinions, which they have every right to do.”
The Toronto Police Association (TPA) said it’s not satisfied with her response and hinted at future possible actions.
“Our position has been, and continues to be, that our members are working tirelessly to protect the Charter rights that everyone is entitled to,” TPA president Jon Reid said.
“This includes keeping the public and our members safe during these protests. But these rights are not limitless. We have not spoken to the mayor, despite an indication on Friday that she would call, and she continues to be silent on the treatment of our members. We will explore our options over the next several days.”
Chow, speaking after an unrelated announcement, noted police officers have a “pretty tough job” keeping peace between protesters with differing views of the Mideast conflict and urged everyone to avoid violence and criminality.
The TPA on Friday had urged Chow to “condemn” a statement by councillors Gord Perks, Ausma Malik, Alejandra Bravo, Amber Morley, Paula Fletcher and Lily Cheng.
The statement, titled “Protecting the Right to Protest in Our City,” noted the councillors had heard from “hundreds of residents” concerned about a March 30 pro-Palestinian protest, in which several people were arrested and charged with offences including attacking officers and a police horse.
The councillors noted that freedom of assembly must be protected during these “difficult times of heightened tension,” marked by protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.