Words Matter: Why Definitions Matter in Public Debate
Words Matter: Why Definitions Matter in Public Debate Certain words appear more and more often in public discussion. Terms such as harassment, defamation, and abuse of power can significantly influence how people view a situation, a public debate, or another person. That is why definitions matter. Harassment Harassment generally involves threatening, intimidating, stalking, or seriously […]
Freedom of Speech Matters Most When Speech Becomes Uncomfortable
Freedom of Speech Matters Most When Speech Becomes Uncomfortable A healthy democratic society is not measured by how institutions respond to praise. It is measured by how they respond to criticism. Freedom of Expression Freedom of expression is one of the cornerstones of a democratic society. In Canada, it is not merely a political slogan […]
The Streisand Effect: When Attempts to Control Information Draw More Attention
The Streisand Effect: When Attempts to Control Information Draw More Attention The “Streisand Effect” is a widely recognized term used to describe situations where attempts to suppress, censor, remove, or intimidate criticism unintentionally attract more public attention to the issue instead. The term originated after singer Barbra Streisand attempted to remove aerial photographs of her […]
Anti-SLAPP Laws: Why Public Participation and Journalism Matter
Anti-SLAPP Laws: Why Public Participation and Journalism Matter One of the nice things about living in Canada – a democracy – is that people are supposed to be able to speak openly about issues affecting their communities. That includes questioning government decisions, criticizing public officials, reporting on local controversies, filing complaints, and discussing matters of […]
Municipal Power Has Legal Limits
Municipal Power Has Legal Limits Many people assume municipal officials are always protected from personal legal consequences because the municipality — and its insurance — will automatically shield them. That is not always true. Public Office Is a Public Trust In Canada, municipal councillors, mayors, CAOs, bylaw officers, building officials, and other staff exercise powers […]
When Municipal Responses to Criticism Become the Bigger Story
When Municipal Responses to Criticism Become the Bigger Story Background Across Ontario, courts have increasingly been asked to weigh an important democratic question: How far can municipalities go when responding to criticism, protest, recording, public participation, or uncomfortable public scrutiny? These disputes are rarely just about one argument or one meeting. They often become larger […]
A Committee Member Was Appointed. Then Removed. The Process Is Unclear.
A Committee Member Was Appointed. Then Removed. The Process Is Unclear. In July 2024, the Township established Terms of Reference for the Economic Development Committee. The document sets out the rules for membership, responsibilities, and removal. Members are described as “citizen” members who are appointed by Council, serve for the term of Council, and may […]
Township Tells Homeless Man To Leave Survival Site, Threatens Trespassing Charges And Disposal Of Belongings
Township Tells Homeless Man To Leave Survival Site, Threatens Trespassing Charges And Disposal Of Belongings This is a developing story. Photos reviewed by South Algonquin Matters show handwritten enforcement notices left beside a small shoreline tent occupied by a man who says he is homeless and living outdoors in South Algonquin. One notice, written on […]
Emails Show Building Inquiry Sent to Non-Owner in Whitney Property File
Emails Show Building Inquiry Sent to Non-Owner in Whitney Property File Emails from March 2022 show that a building inquiry by the Township of South Algonquin was sent to a third-party individual who did not own the property, raising questions about how the inquiry was initiated and handled, information privacy, and how information was shared […]