Some local politicians are weighing in on world affairs, asking the federal government to support peace efforts and humanitarian aid wherever civilians are at risk.
A resolution passed Wednesday by the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary board called for letters to be sent to the three members of parliament representing the region, citing “unacceptable civilian suffering” in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and “many other regions.”
The motion was introduced by Beaver Valley director Ali Grieve. In an interview, board chair Andy Morel said Grieve had heard from constituents who asked her to elevate their voices and concerns. He added the motion was intended to show leadership at a community level and stress the need for empathy.
“It’s difficult for small community leaders to respond to global events, but our voices need to be collective,” Morel said. “I think whenever we’re in a position of leadership, it’s incredibly important that we do speak out.
“It open happens when we get into social issues that people say ‘you’re out of your lane,’ but the reality is we’re human and felt it was necessary. The majority felt it was necessary to speak up.”
However, Morel said they didn’t want the motion to be too political or nuanced. Rather, they took “a more universal approach” to address the loss of innocent lives in conflict.
“Some people wanted to dig a little deeper, but I think we kept the motion fairly high level. We want our [federal] leadership to look after people, to feel empathetic and recognize it’s our brothers and sisters dying all around the world right now.”
While not every director spoke in favour of the motion, none was recorded as being opposed.
