Medicine Hat’s council is calling on the community to respect city employees and engage in civil discourse as residents debate city hall’s decisions.
Councillors and the mayor gave the message in a scripted video statement released Tuesday, an idea proposed and approved during a public meeting on April 22.
“I urge everyone to remember the importance of respect,” Coun. Darren Hirsch said in the video.
“Each of us brings a unique perspective to our city’s challenges and opportunities. Respecting these differences doesn’t just make Medicine Hat a better place to live, it makes it stronger and more inclusive.”
READ: Medicine Hat council to call for ‘civility’ amid employee social media abuse
Some of the community’s discussion and complaints about Medicine Hat’s municipal government have also impacted city staff, according to the city manager and council members.
In social media groups and even at public community meetings, residents have hurled insults at various employees.
“Our city employees work hard everyday to serve our community, it is essential that we treat them with the courtesy and dignity they deserve,” Robins said.
“Their dedication makes our city function and they deserve our support and our respect.”
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Council wants to redirect complaints away from staff.
“When disagreements arise, it’s important to remember that criticism should be directed appropriately,” Van Dyke said.
“Criticizing decisions is part of any healthy democracy, but lets ensure our words target the decision-makers but not those who are tasked with carrying out these decisions.”
Councillors called on the public to be civil.
“Let’s continue to engage in discussions that uplift and improve our city, ensuring it remains a place we’re all proud to call home,” Coun. Allison Knodel said.
“Your city council is here to serve you and together we can make a difference. Lets keep the conversation going but do our best to keep it respectful,” she added.
Mayor Linnsie Clark, who was sanctioned by council in March after they found she broke its code of conduct by failing to treat the city manager with courtesy, dignity and respect during an exchange in 2023, also called for civility.
“In these difficult times, it’s even more important for us to be kind and patient and understanding,” Clark said.
“If each of us can do that, I know our community will be much stronger.”
Medicine Hat city council meets for its next regular public meeting on June 3.
