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Spots are limited call to book or book online: HearingLife.ca/FreeTrial Mention this code: NSP-WNTDE-OAKB1-888-903-9527 Bronte 2419 Marine Drive Formerly delmanor.com Don't Leave HomeWithout Him At Delmanor, there's no need to leave your best friend behind - your new home can be his as well! Call today to learn about the Delmanor difference! (905) 469-3232 1459 Nottinghill Gate, Oakville Photo taken prior to COVID. cluding one failed attempt in which he proposed strik- ing out an almost full page of action items from it. During the meeting, he al- so attempted to have the motion postponed indefi- nitely twice, and early in the meeting he unsuccess- fully proposed an "objec- tion to the consideration of the question" which would have removed the flag rais- ing motion entirely. The proposal generated significant attention both locally and beyond. The pe- tition in support of the mo- tion had over 15,000 signa- tures at press time and there were more than 200 official delegations sub- mitted to the board on the matter. A number of orga- nizations also provided their stance on the flag- raising. Notably, the Hal- ton elementary branch of the Ontario English Catho- lic Teachers Association issued its support for rais- ing the Pride flag. Supporters of raising the flag argue it would help LGBTQ+ staff and stu- dents feel accepted and help address significant mental health issues with- in that community. Opponents say the Pride flag is contrary to the message of Jesus Christ and that it represents im- moral behaviours. Others argued the flag is divisive, wouldn't solve the prob- lems it was supposedly ad- dressing and issues like mental health and feelings of acceptance would be bet- ter addressed through practical responses like specialized training for teachers. Trustee Peter DeRosa questioned the motives around the motion and the decision to bring it forward now. "A decision frankly that is untimely given our com- mon struggle with COVID knowing it will divide our Catholic family again among unreconcilable lines that have existed for centuries. Most important to me, is the expectation that have been created over the last few weeks in the young minds of our most vulnerable students and possibly consequences if tonight's results disap- point them," said DeRosa. The HCDSB has a histo- ry of generating controver- sy around LGBTQ+ issues. In 2011, the board gained at- tention for banning Gay- Straight Alliance Groups before they were pressured to rescind that decision. Trustees on both sides of the debate called out the aggressiveness with which some in the public had re- sponded to the motion. "My faith, my morals, my motives have all been questioned," said Brenda Agnew, the trustee who put forth the motion. "For those who think this is po- litical popular pandering I can assure you it's none of those things. My sole moti- vation is about saving lives, student lives, and those lives are worth any of the hatred and bigotry that has been thrown at myself and some of my fellow trustees since this motion first made its way to the public." The Pride flag has been a controversial topic when similar motions have been brought forward at Catho- lic boards across the prov- ince. Notably, the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board has been fly- ing the Pride flag since 2019, only at its board office during the month of June. Other trustees pro- posed alternative ideas like flying the Pride flag only at the Catholic Education Centre or developing their own style flag. Trustee Vincent Ianto- masi wanted staff to take a closer look at its flag poli- cies before looking into such a motion. "The national flag is an unmistakable symbol of unity of inclusiveness for all Canadians no matter their sexual orientation, race or colour. I believe in upholding the dignity of the Canadian flag, which means it should always be flown on its own," said Ian- tomasi. STORY BEHIND THE STORY: A bid to have the Pride flag raised at Halton Catholic schools has sparked a firestorm of attention and debate in recent weeks. We wanted to pursue the contentious issue to its conclusion and share how those on either side felt about the decision. NEWS Continued from page 1 TRUSTEE'S PROPOSAL GAINS PLENTY OF ATTENTION Trustee Brenda Agnew was unsuccessful with her motion to have the Pride flag raised at Catholic schools across the region in June. Graham Paine/Metroland