(Town of Yarmouth photo)
Members of Yarmouth Town Council had a lengthy discussion about their election sign by-law during their regular meeting last week.
The new by-law prohibits election signs in the Town of Yarmouth; it was adopted in early July after no feedback during the public notices and public hearings phase.
The Canadian Constitution Foundation has urged the Town to immediately repeal the bylaw, and has threatened litigation, saying the bylaw is a clear infringement of Canadians’ right to free expression and political speech.
The decision not to repeal the by-law was made after council says there isn’t enough time between now and Municipal election day on October 17th to complete the process.
Instead, the majority of Council pledged to not use lawn signs in the upcoming election, and to place a stay on the enforcement of the by-law.
The stay on enforcement remains in effect until the new council determines how it wants to proceed.
