June 23, 2022

TOWNSHIP OF NORWICH
STATEMENT
Council Delegation June 21, 2022

The Township of Norwich is most certainly aware and concerned that the delegation
received from Mr. Jake Dey at its meeting June 21 st has exacerbated community divide and
especially that members of the community have expressed feeling hurt and unsafe.

It is recognized that many question why Mr. Dey was permitted to attend as a delegation,
particularly as Mr. Dey is currently involved in a charge of theft under the Criminal Code
regarding the removal of Progress banners. The Township did seek legal advice regarding
its’ obligations to allow for such delegation.

Norwich Council has practices and procedures that provide for very simple and minimal
requirements to provide a delegation to a council meeting, in the interest of remaining easily
accessible to residents. The Township also wants to emphasize that receiving information
from a delegation in no manner means any kind of endorsement of such statements.

The Township however did not take this issue lightly – after continued requests from Mr.
Dey, the delegation was permitted with the following restrictions:

 The subject matter may only be in regard to Progress banners in Township spaces in the
Township. 
 That no delegation shall speak disrespectfully of any person, and this would include
presentation about Pride banners in public spaces in a manner that could be considered
hateful.
 That Council will not permit presentation or information about the ongoing Criminal
proceedings, as Township Council has no jurisdiction over the Federal Criminal Code.

Council also acknowledges that the delegation that did occur, was in excess of the time
limit contemplated and did include what many consider hateful comments. Given the
situation and the attendance of many residents at the meeting, best efforts were made to
evaluate and react in a manner that would not even further escalate emotions and potential
confrontations at the meeting. Council does hope that residents will provide understanding
that balancing issues such as free speech, access to, and transparency of your local
Council with the potential for receiving offensive or hateful comments is a very difficult and
complex issue, and the Township made its best efforts.