Deputation to Aurora ON, Joel and Margaret Sussman, September 19, 2023

Joel Sussman, Speaks to 15 Minute Cities in Aurora, ON, September 20, 2023.
110 Citizens in Attendance,
1 Minute Standing Ovation,
3 Council Members Willing to Enter Into Dialogue to Understand “What’s Happening at the Municipal Level of This Country’s Government?”

On June 26, 2023, local lawyer John Dunn was determined to address Peterborough's Declaration of Climate Emergency, so he and Maggie Braun gave deputations to Peterborough City Council. John Dunn addressed climate science, and Maggie Braun discussed the implementation of Agenda 21 through Canadian Municipalities. The video of this deputation went viral, and several others followed, including Joel and Margaret Sussman of Auroras' deputation.

On August 1, 2023, Maggie addressed the Douro Dummer Council regarding the U.N.-driven Official Plan for Peterborough County. This plan would be "a death sentence to their township." Sixty-five locals attended to support the delegation's recommendation.

Following the Deputation, the councillors of Douro Dummer agreed that they "could not in good faith approve Peterborough Counties Official Plan" and that the delegation "stated facts" and "it was time they stand and be counted." The Council voted to delay the approval of the official plan and seek more public consultation.

The following day, the mayors and councillors of Peterborough County met to discuss the approval of the official plan; this led to a robust and empowering discussion with many of the County's Mayors in agreement. The official plan was sent back to the province and will require approval from another round of public consultation and local councils before being adopted.
In conclusion, the KICLEI Solution was instrumental in bringing together like-minded individuals to address the pressing issue of climate change. The confidence and determination of John Dunn, Maggie Braun, and other community members led to a positive outcome that not only benefited their township but also set a precedent for other communities to follow. Their actions have shown that small and large town councils can make a significant impact when they stand up and be counted.

Playlist of these Delegation -
Deputation to the City of Peterborough by John Dunn, June 26, 2023
Deputation to the City of Peterborough by Maggie Braun, June 26, 2023
Deputation to the Township of Douro Dummer by Maggie Braun, August 1, 2023
Douro Dummer Councils Response
Deputation to the City of Aurora by Joel and Margaret Sussman, September 19, 2023

Other examples of deputations that lead to successful push back on the global agenda include the group from Dufferin County ending the vaccine mandates for public workers in the City of Orangeville and Councillor from Orangeville motion against the Strong Mayors powers, which was later overruled.