Late afternoon on January 10, 2023, councillor Erin Tedford posted to her social media that she has resigned as Councillor for District 1.
Erin Tedford's post to Facebook:
It was an honour to be elected by the citizens of District 1 in Pointe-Claire, for the purpose of expressing important beliefs about sustainable development, mitigating climate disaster, preserving affordable housing, and the unique history and heritage of Pointe-Claire’s landscape. I have stayed true to the platform on which I ran, and it has been a privilege to voice my constituents’ priorities and values in Council – these being ones that I share.
It has been, however, much more of a challenge to advocate for these issues than expected. Many of the decisions and actions of the majority on this Council do not reflect these values. A better balance needs to be struck between economic aspirations and environmental and community concerns.
" I remain hopeful that Pointe-Claire will find ways to navigate the delicate balance between the desire for growth and profit, citizens’ needs, the preservation of history and environmental concerns" states Tedford
In my experience, the most constructive exchanges are based on listening, respect, genuine reflection, and the consideration and exchange of alternative ideas. I have spoken honestly in Council about what I believe should be priorities and changes needed to ensure the preservation of our quality of life and heritage, as expressed by my constituents, but these views were rarely welcomed and efforts to silence them have even been aggressive. My votes on Council and the expression of constituents’ beliefs have had repercussions; the most serious and consequential is to have had the peace and privacy of my home violated. I have witnessed a disturbing level of anger and division that I truly hope will lessen in the coming years.
For personal reasons, and because of the challenges described above, it is with regret that I must resign from my position as City Councillor for District 1, effective January 10, 2023.
I extend my sincere appreciation and gratitude to all those who supported me in my work. I remain hopeful that Pointe-Claire will find ways to navigate the delicate balance between the desire for growth and profit, citizens’ needs, the preservation of history and environmental concerns.
Sincerely,
Erin Tedford
