FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE: Community forces Council to back down on discount fare increases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Community Groups Hold Press Conference to Ensure New Transit Advisory Council Has Impact on Decision-Making at City Hall
What: Representatives of a coalition of ten community groups are meeting at Ottawa City Hall to demand that the new Transit Advisory Council which is replacing citizen transit commissioners, has the resources it needs to be able to have an impact on decision-making. These groups, representing various residents from across the city, want to ensure that the role of this new body is not simply symbolic but one that has actual teeth.
In particular, these groups are demanding:
- That eligibility for appointment to the council be limited to people nominated by membership-based organizations that elect their leaders such as community associations, labour unions and local advocacy groups.
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That the Advisory Council have regularly scheduled meetings, as well as a certain independence from the City.
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For members of the council to have the same access to OC Transpo documents that the former Citizen Commissioners enjoyed.
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That the council have the ability to send representatives to every meeting of the Transit Commission, to table reports and have time set aside on the agenda to raise issues, ask questions, etc.
- The Advisory Council have the resources needed to do its job effectively. It should have at least one staff person to support them and a budget that will allow them to hold public forums on transit issues as well as conduct research on them.
Speakers
Laura Shantz, Ottawa Transit Riders
Donald Swartz, Free Transit Ottawa
Horizon Ottawa
Morissa Dalia Ellis, CAWI
Nathan Prier ,Child Care Now Ottawa
When: Thursday, March 23rd, 2023 at 12:00 PM
Where: Honeywell Room on Second Floor at Ottawa City Hall (110 Laurier Avenue)
-30-
For Media Inquiries:
Sam Hersh
613-663-7018
[email protected]
