Moved by Regional Councillor Palleschi
Seconded by City Councillor Singh
Whereas the Province of Ontario has determined Monday October 24, 2022 as the day for Municipal Elections in Ontario
Whereas Monday October 24, 2022 is the day that Hindus and Sikhs across the province will be celebrating Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas, religious holidays of East Indian origin
Whereas Brampton has a total population of more than 700, 000 residents
Whereas according to the 2016 census, Brampton is comprised of 197, 360 residents of East Indian Origin, including Hindus and Sikhs
Whereas there were 313 273 eligible voters in Brampton’s 2018 Municipal Elections
Whereas Section 9.1(6) of the Election Act pertaining to the Provincial elections specifies the following:
Alternate day
(6) If the Chief Electoral Officer is of the opinion that a Thursday that would otherwise be polling day is not suitable for that purpose because it is a day of cultural or religious significance, the Chief Electoral Officer shall choose another day in accordance with subsection (7) and recommend to the Lieutenant Governor in Council that polling day should be that other day, and the Lieutenant Governor in Council may make an order to that effect. 2005, c. 35, s. 1 (3); 2007, c. 15, s. 40 (1).
Therefore be it resolved that
- the same provision in place for election days that fall on cultural or religious significance at the Provincial level, be applied at the Municipal level
- Brampton City Council submit a request to the Provincial government to change the Election date from Monday October 24, 2022 to an alternative date that does not fall on a religious holiday celebrated widely by residents of Brampton