Towards Freedom

The political landscape in any country flows up a structure beginning at a local level (towns/cities), to a provincial level (group of local levels), to the national level (group of provinces or states). Policy developed from the bottom can be dictated from the top!

For example, consider the process to follow in British Columbia, Canada: local politicians refer matters to higher and higher levels eventually stopping at the provincial government. Author and consultant, Lavinia Rojas, who is an experienced advocate in various initiatives explains:

"When we refer to politicians, we are specifically talking about councillors who play a crucial role in representing our concerns and forwarding them to higher authorities. The AVICC (Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities) hosts an annual conference where councillors come together to discuss and resolve proposals. Once a proposal is resolved, it moves on to the UBCM (Union of Municipalities of BC), where all municipality members get to vote on it. If the vote is approved, the proposal is then sent to the provincial government, specifically the office of the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General."

So as citizens, we need to make things move at the bottom, so our initiative can work its way to the top.

To address your council either in-person, on video, or by phone, do the following:

1. Submit your request to present.
2. Prepare and practice your presentation (just as you did in school!)
3. At the council meeting when it's your turn, introduce yourself and state the purpose of your speech.
4. Express your position clearly with the reasons backed by supporting facts/data.
5. Be professional in your tone and demeanor, but also let your passion for the cause come through!
6. Answer any questions the council may have and thank them for their consideration of your proposal.

Ms Rojas additionally suggests you (and others in your group) write to the councillors soon after the presentation, just so they know you are watching!

Repeated presentations to city councils make it clear we mean business and demand action!

You don't need to say much (usually you only have 3-5 minutes). However, you need to speak clearly and forcefully. You also need to have your points well-organized so your audience easily understands your message.

As for subject matter, there is plenty you have to work with:

• Talk about fireworks harming people
• Talk about fireworks harming animals
• Talk about fireworks harming the environment
• Talk about fireworks harming the financial pocketbook
• Talk about fireworks is something you vehemently loathe

Below are listed with links, the process to follow to make such deliveries to specific jurisdictions. (If you want your area listed here with details on how to contact your council, just email our researching webmaintainer with your city's location.)

Remember that some districts let you speak on the same topic at each meeting you attend. Keep the fireworks issue in their minds! Repetition can eventually lead to action! Or as Ms Rojas says, "Be the squeaky wheel!"

The listings below are in alphabetical order:

• Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD), BC: The CVRD holds Public Hearings whose purpose is "for the public to present their views and opinions on a proposed bylaw amendment". These can be attend electronically or in person. For more information, go to Public Hearings & Information Meetings or contact them by email.
• Saanich, BC: There are many ways to address the council regarding any matter of interest to this municipalty. An organization must submit an Application to Appear as a Delegation to present at the whole meeting, but an individual speaker can speak in their open forum for 3 minutes (in-person or by phone) without pre-registration by emailing council@saanich.ca or calling 250-475-5501 prior to 12pm. You can also submit your views to the council by email without attending the meeting.
• Victoria (City of), BC: This City holds regular meetings which can be attended by the public and be viewed live/recorded stream. The schedule of upcoming meetings and links to past meetings are also available. Here are the details on how to submit a request to address the Council which can be done in person or online. Speakers are limited to 5 minutes and participation can be done in person, on video, by phone.

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