(Zeb speaking to delegates of the UBCM regarding his Anti-SLAPP resolution)
One of the things I have cared about for a long time is making sure people can participate in public debate without being intimidated into silence.
In 2017, I brought forward a resolution through Central Saanich calling for stronger protection against Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation, or SLAPPs.
These are lawsuits that can be used to discourage people, community groups, journalists and even local governments from speaking out on matters of public interest.
Our resolution went to the Union of BC Municipalities. Because it was a late resolution, I first had to stand up and make the case for why delegates should even agree to consider it.
Then I got to advocate for it before representatives from municipalities across British Columbia.
I loved that part of it. You make your case, people debate it, and then everyone votes.
We got it passed.
That was important because a resolution from me, one councillor, became a council resolution at the UBCM and had now become a position endorsed by municipalities from across British Columbia. UBCM records the Central Saanich resolution as endorsed in 2017.
After the vote, I also spoke briefly with the Attorney General about it. He thanked me for the anti-SLAPP resolution and said legislation would be on the government's agenda. The Province later introduced the Protection of Public Participation Act.
The Act passed and received Royal Assent on March 25, 2019. It created a process allowing courts to dismiss proceedings that arise from expression on matters of public interest unless the person bringing the case can meet the tests set out in the law, including showing substantial merit and sufficiently serious harm. BCLaws
I like this example because it shows what can start at a municipal Council table.
You can start with an issue in your own community, persuade your Council, take it to municipalities across the province, and help add another voice to a movement that eventually changes the law.
For me, the principle behind it is still pretty simple: people should be able to speak up about public issues without being frightened into silence or bullied into toeing a line.
UBCM resolution: Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation