When first-term North Bay City Councillor Scott Robertson drafted his maiden motion he had no idea it would be so controversial.
What Robertson himself termed a “symbolic motion,” acknowledging climate change as a threat to human life and property, was stripped of the term “emergency,” after an amendment by Deputy Mayor Tanya Vrebosch was passed by the majority of council.
In support of the climate emergency motion, Robertson listed dozens of Canadian municipalities which have adopted motions similar to the one debated last night and alluded to hundreds more. He highlighted Guelph as one instance where council opted to change the wording from “emergency” to “crisis,” while still voting in favour.
Robertson pointed out the motion would act as a positive step in spurring growth, enticing people to join a progressive community. “This is largely symbolic…about politics and optics,” said Robertson, adding it should be seen as an opportunity to join other progressive communities and to draw attention to climate change by the other levels of government who often take cues from the municipal level.
As the amendment was read out by the clerk and councillors spoke in favour of it, the gallery at City Hall grew restless and shouted out, having to be cautioned by Mayor Al McDonald. When the amended motion passed, one woman shouted “Bulls—t!” as she left the Council Chambers.
Following the meeting, Vrebosch admitted the wording gave her pause and according to the voting, the majority of council agreed with her. “I think what happened tonight is people took a very positive message and turned it negative. I think what people need to realize tonight is council did take a stand for climate change.”
Vrebosch says implications on the budget worried her and Councillor Bill Vrebosch echoed the statement, adding he worried language in Robertson’s motion could lead to development hold-ups due to environmental objections based on climate change.
Robertson, looking flabbergasted that his motion to recognize an issue accepted worldwide as scientific fact took questions following the meeting. Asked what it says to him about this council finding fault with a symbolic motion of support for climate change, he responded, “I think the more I comment on what the impact of the amendment is going to be, that will only increase the negative impact it will have on our community, so respectfully I decline to comment further.”
Asked about the outbursts from the gallery, Robertson said they are unfortunate but not uncommon when it comes to citizens who believe strongly in the effects of climate change. “I can tell you as someone who takes climate change very seriously and someone who considers it an imminent emergency, I can understand why people get emotional about it.”
Robertson said the entire ordeal was a learning experience and will not let it deter him from bringing issues to the council table moving forward. “I’ve got a pretty good idea of how the halls of power operate and how certain pressure can be applied and how things can move in certain directions. If anything, I think I’ve learned something here and it certainly won’t stop me from making bold resolutions in the future.”
