Council considers ending official proclamations [Video]

The politically thorny issues that stem from making official proclamations might mean the practice is too risky, costly, and time consuming for city council to continue.

A staff report to the Corporate Services Committee (CSC) examines how other cities in Ontario make public proclamations and seeks direction from council on next steps.

Prior to suspending the application process earlier this year, city council had made 12 official proclamations in 2024, including U.N. Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21), World Thinking Day (Feb. 22), and Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month (March).

In London, city staff must review applications to ensure they adhere to community standards and don’t imply that the city is taking a position on controversial issues, religious matters, or international disputes.

Ultimately, the decision is up to council.

“We wade into some difficult territory when we start taking proclamation [applications] from anyone and everyone,” warned Coun. Corrine Rahman.

Rahman believes it’s time to stop …