New approach pitched to stop graphic anti-abortion flyers
Unsatisfied with a broad-based and toothless by-law suggested by civic administration, the Community and Protective Services Committee (CAPS) recommends a different tactic to stop graphic anti-abortion flyers from turning up in unsuspecting mailboxes.
The city solicitor had proposed a draft by-law for unaddressed flyers that gives homeowners the ability to post a clearly visible sign labeled ‘no junk mail’ or ‘no flyers’ on their mailbox.
The draft by-law, however, does not establish penalties for failing to comply.
After more than half an hour receiving confidential legal advice behind closed doors, the committee members emerged seeking a reworked by-law to specifically target graphic materials and not all unaddressed mail.
Councillor Jesse Helmer suggested stickers on mailboxes that prohibit delivery of specific graphic content.
“We don’t say you can’t deliver them at all,” explains Helmer. “We just say if people have indicated they don’t want them, you can’t deliver them.”
Last week, Blaise Alleyne, Eastern Outreach Director at Canadian Centre for Bioethical Reform told CTV News in a statement, “We exercise our Charter rights in compliance with local by-laws, and may challenge by-laws which are unconstitutional — as our message is urgent and can make the difference between life and death for many children.”
Helmer railed against the flyers and their impact on unsuspecting people opening their mail.
“They’re putting them in people’s mailboxes and kids are seeing them. People who have had pregnancies terminated or had abortions are picking this stuff up in their mailboxes. It’s bad. They should not have to go through that!”
Councillors will hear from the public when an updated draft by-law is prepared by the city solicitor.
Helmer expressed his resolve to the committee.
“We have to find a way to stop it, unfortunately the organizations that are doing this, they’re relentless.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.