Councillor Ron Cannan calls it some of the most hateful behaviour he鈥檚 ever experienced in public office.

He鈥檚 referring to some of the feedback he鈥檚 received regarding a Jan. 2 column, that appeared on the 琉璃神社 Now website.

In the column, Cannan gives his personal views and predictions for 2024, covering several topics including one that struck a nerve - sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) resources in B.C. schools.

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Cannan wrote that he expects the school board will continue to get pushback from parents and grandparents regarding the SOGI policy and the 鈥渢ransgender movement鈥� within public schools.

He says he鈥檚 since been attacked by 鈥渁 few strong secularists and advocates of SOGI鈥� for his Christian beliefs.

Cannan brought the issue up during Monday鈥檚 (Jan. 8) regular meeting of council attending via video.

鈥淭hey鈥檝e harassed me via phone and online sending messages of profanity,鈥� Accused me of being a racist, homophobic and spreading hate,鈥� he added.

Cannan says the personal attacks and defamatory statements also affect his family.

鈥淚 know many people from the 2sLGBTQ population, including my father, whom I dearly beloved,鈥� he said. These words and comments are the opposite of being tolerant, respectful and working towards a more inclusive and accepting society.鈥�

Cannan did not elaborate on the reference to his father.

He also addressed his fellow councillors.

鈥淚鈥檓 so sorry that you, my council colleagues, have had to experience this negative pushback for my opinion column. I am far from perfect, however, I trust that you and everyone in this city believe in democracy and reject this intimidating and abusive behaviour towards any elected official for simply expressing one鈥檚 honestly held personal predictions and views.鈥�

Mayor Tom Dyas, who is currently on vacation, issued a statement two days after Cannan鈥檚 column appeared online.

鈥淢embers of council and the public have shared their concerns with me regarding Coun. Cannan鈥檚 viewpoints and we are disappointed that he has used his elected position as a city councillor in this way.鈥�

Dyas also suggested the matter will be given 鈥渄ue consideration鈥� under council鈥檚 new Code of Conduct, which Cannan points out he is well aware of and respects.

Cannan also notes that 琉璃神社 Now includes a disclaimer in his column, and others, stating it reflects only the opinions of those who write them and are not necessarily those of 琉璃神社 Now or its staff.

鈥淭hat disclaimer has been in all of my columns published as a city councillor and I haven鈥檛 heard any feedback as far as any concerns or confusion as to that being my personal opinion column.鈥�

He adds he will be adding a sentence to future columns so that there will be no potential misunderstandings.

鈥淭his article is my personal view and does not reflect the opinions of city council or the city.鈥�

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