Protest on June 2 to call for accountability from Medicine Hat’s city council

“We’re fed up with back-room decisions, empty comment periods, and having to navigate an opaque administration that treats us like outsiders in our own community.”

Frey announced earlier this month she intends to sue the City of Medicine Hat alleging Charter violations, discrimination and defamation that led to economic losses.

The Medicine Hat property owner was placed on a so-called communications ban by senior city staff in November 2023 that administration said was to protect the mental wellbeing of employees.

That policy was expanded by administrators a year later when the city hired a lawyer to serve as the only point of communication between Frey and city hall.

Notably, council in October 2024 passed a public code of conduct that included punitive measures similar to those placed on Frey.

But it appeared she was never grandfathered into the policy, which includes a “right of review” appeal process that Frey said she would’ve started.

Frey says she’s never received clear direction on how to remove the restrictions that placed on her over 520 days ago.

Protests calling for action from council occurred several times last year amid outcry against the sanctions placed on Mayor Linnsie Clark.

Frey’s June rally will call for council to include residents in city decisions as opposed to “token consultations” and improve public engagement.

The city uses public hearings — some required by law and others that are volunteered — and municipal town halls that include staff from varying departments.

Frey also wants the city to create a formal way to hold municipal staff — including the chief administrator Ann Mitchell — accountable through a whistleblower policy.

An attempt by Coun. Shila Sharps to add a process for residents to file complaints against city senior staff failed at council earlier this spring.

Attendees are asked to bring homemade signs and posters.

by Olivia Thorington

Protest on June 2 to call for accountability from Medicine Hat’s city council

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