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
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Courteney Cox says her partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in therapy
Courteney Cox's longtime partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in a therapy session.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.