Local News
Toronto Councillor Aims to Ban Foreign Flags at City Hall
Toronto City Councillor Jon Burnside has introduced a motion to eliminate the flying of foreign flags at City Hall. The motion, seconded by Councillor Michael Thompson, will be reviewed by city councillors next week.
Ward 16 Councillor Jon Burnside introduced a motion on Friday to change Toronto's flag-raising policy. The proposed change would eliminate the flying of foreign flags, as well as those of non-profit and charitable organizations. Ward 21 Councillor Michael Thompson seconded the motion. Certain flags would be exempt from the proposed policy change. These include flags of Indigenous and Treaty partners, the intersex Pride flag, the Black Liberation flag, and those of professional sports organizations. Flags of cities that are part of Toronto's International Alliance program would also be exempt. Burnside's motion follows a similar decision in Calgary, where city council narrowly voted to ban foreign flags at its City Hall last year.
Key Facts
- Councillor Jon Burnside introduced the motion on Friday.
- The motion proposes banning foreign flags at Toronto City Hall.
- Flags of Indigenous groups and sports teams would be exempt.
- Councillor Michael Thompson seconded the motion.
- The motion will be considered by councillors next week.
- Flags of Angola, Morocco, and Palestine have been raised recently.
- The Métis flag was raised for Louis Riel Day.
Primary Source
Research Sources
- CityNews Toronto — Toronto councillor pens motion to ban flying foreign flags at City Hall