Councillor rebuked in bid to `congratulate' Bloc Québécois

Strong language was used in Halton Hills council chambers in response to a councillor's request to offer congratulations to the Bloc Quécois party for its showing in the recent federal election. "Hell will freeze over before I would write the Bloc Québécois congratulating on their endeavours which might split up the country," said Mayor Rick Bonnette. Ward 3 Councillor Mike Davis had made the suggestion to make the overture to the Quebec separatist party when commenting on a staff report outlining the three major party (Conservative, Liberal and NDP) platforms on municipalities. The staff resolution called on council to offer congratulations to these parties and to ask for consideration of municipal issues. Davis said as it is a minority government, the BQ could hold swing power within the House of Commons, and the Town should offer a victory handshake to that party as well. He added in fairness, the Town should also offer its congratulations to the one Independent candidate elected. But the suggestion incensed many councillors around the table. "The Bloc Québécois has already stated that they're in Parliament to do things that can only positively affect the people of Quebec. The last time I looked we live in Ontario," said Acton councillor Mike O'Leary. "I cannot support a party that I regularly refer to as `that a bunch of traitors'." Rural councillor Joan Robson, who had lived in Quebec for more than 20 years, said the separatists have torn families apart including her own. "There is no way I would be congratulating them on anything." "I don't think you can count on them for any solid support on anything that would benefit anyone else," said Acton councillor Jon Hurst. A chastised Davis withdrew his amendment to motion.