On the evening of February 28, Huntsville council voted unanimously in favour of taking down the Russian flag from the G8 flag park, erected when the municipality hosted the G8 Summit here in the summer of 2010.
Councillors expressed their disdain for Russia’s actions against the independent country of Ukraine, calling it unprovoked aggression.
The motion was moved by Deputy Mayor Nancy Alcock who noted that although “it doesn’t do anything for the state of the situation – it’s clearly symbolic but… it’s an expression of how our community feels…” she said, adding that it is not an attempt to erase history.
Councillor Bob Stone noted that he received a call from “a well-read gentleman. He stated that it’s a piece of history and likened it to removing the statue of Sir John A. Macdonald. I told him I’d rather put up a plaque bringing more information in that particular instance, rather than erasing history,” he said. “Then I saw the images of the victims of the unprovoked attacks happening today in Ukraine, like most Canadians I’m asking what can I do? I trust that the G7 nations and NATO will act swiftly to protect Ukraine and the world from a prolonged conflict. Surely the world needs calm and happiness after the past two years. But I believe there’s power in symbolic acts and yes the G8 park flag is a memorial to our local history and I hope that we may soon put the Russian flag back up to mark that event.”
Stone said for him, while an innocent free nation is being attacked, “I can make this small gesture to send an important message.”
Councillor Jason FitzGerald echoed those sentiments. “I don’t think we’re erasing history, we’re very proud of our past, hosting the G8 and that legacy will remain with us…” He said removing the flag is an opportunity for council “to show some solidarity and support and compassion for people that deserve it and need it at this time.”
Councillor Jonathan Wiebe said, “being of Ukranian heritage I really appreciate what’s been said so far so I will also support the removal of this flag.”
Huntsville Mayor Karin Terziano also said she did not think council by its action is erasing history. “I think flag park is the history. I think the G8 being here, and the eight countries being here, were the history and I don’t think that if we take that flag down we should replace it with another… “ She said she too would support taking the flag down out of respect and compassion for the Ukrainians who live in the community and have family in the Ukraine who are experiencing war. She also noted that the Ukrainian flag is flying in front of Town Hall as a sign of respect and compassion.
Councillor Tim Withey also agreed. “This is a gesture that we happen to be able to make because… there’s not many communities that are flying Russian flags for any reason in this country. I’m very happy that the Ukrainian flag is on Town Hall. As people know, we have the largest Ukrainian population outside of Ukraine, so it’s very important that we show that support to our compadres and hope that this gets resolved very soon… because the other direction is unbelievable to conceive of.”
Councillor Dan Armour echoed the sentiments expressed by all councillors and said a prayer for the people of Ukraine and what they’re going through and hoped “this ends and they get back to the table and start talking to end this quickly.”
The flag will be removed until further notice. Staff will be removing taking down the flag on the morning of March 1.
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Wow. I make an honest comment and you feel it necessary to twist it into something it is not and then try to put me down.
I apologize if you think politely expressing oneself is bad.
Boy oh boy Gord ! You’re brave…but what an indefensible (nonsensical ?)comment to make under these circumstances.
I guess you would advocate ignoring a street fight too, even if you witnessed a known bully mounting an unprovoked assault on an innocent, helpless pedestrian….because you need more information….(on his/her mental state perhaps ? )
…a sad general comentary on an affluent society determined to “see no evil” even when it stares them in the face…as long as it doesn’t disturb their life, that is.
Even Switzerland didn’t need more information to break with its previously unbroken history of neutrality to condemn Russia !
Taking the flag down is hardly a big deal in the big scheme, but however small a gesture, it shows this community cares !
I am not sure I agree with taking down the Russian flag. I do not agree with the war but what are we saying to all the good Russian people who live here. In addition, to the good Ukrainian people here in Canada.
The war is not here and we definitely do not know all the facts so I believe we should be 100% neutral.
Taking sides create issues right in our back yard and this is not our issue.
Gord Finlayson
YAHOO !!! Thank you all !!!