Regional integrity commissioner to investigate Bylsma’s statements about LGBTQ, Indigenous communities – StCatharinesStandard.ca
July 24, 2020
Niagara Region’s integrity commissioner is being asked to examine comments made by West Lincoln’s mayor that have been derided as being racist and anti-LGBTQ.
After nearly an hour of contentious debate Thursday about the June comments by David Bylsma on Niagara radio station CKTB 610 AM — during which he objected to the raising of the Pride Flag, said he did not support Black Lives Matter, and that Indigenous rights have turned First Nations violent — councillors decided to engage the regional integrity commissioner rather than take any action on their own.
The debate arose after two residents appeared before council and labelled Bylsma’s comments as racist and St. Catharines Coun. Kelly Edgar put forward a motion calling on the mayor to “renounce” his comments and asked council to take further actions, which could have included stripping Bylsma of any council appointments.
Although Bylsma’s comments were widely reported, several councillors said they were unaware of what the mayor said, and insisted the integrity commissioner process be followed, rather than taking action against a councillor by way of a motion.
