Peace Collective Files Human Rights Complaint Against the City of Brockville for Discriminatory Refusal to Raise Palestinian Flag

Brockville – On October 15th, 2026, the Brockville Peace Collective (BPC) filed a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario in relation to the City’s discriminatory provision and administration of municipal services, including access to the municipal flag-raising program and the process for requesting consideration of a community flag-raising.

The Brockville Peace Collective are Brockville residents and community members from diverse backgrounds and faiths that advocate for peace, equality, human rights, and social justice for all.

The Brockville Peace Collective saw the proposed three-day flag raising for Palestine Independence Day (November 27-December 1, 2025) as part of its ongoing work for peace, human rights, and social justice; equivalent to the flying of the Ukrainian flag which flew in Brockville every day for three years after the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022.

The Collective, whose request was denied by the City, contends that their request to raise the flag should have been treated the same way and followed the same policy as previous applicants.

On November 25, 2025, Brockville City Council denied the request to fly the Palestinian flag even though the request met the city’s policy requirements. Denying this request, invoking a policy review, and denying the Brockville Peace Collective members the right to equal representation and access to municipal services constitute discrimination on protected grounds under the Human Rights Code of Ontario.

The complaint is part of a broader effort to hold both present and future councils of the City of Brockville to the equal application of municipal policy to all residents, regardless of culture, background, race, or ancestry in compliance with the Human Rights Code of Canada. When we take away the rights of Canadians of any faith, heritage or orientation, we impact the rights of all citizens.

“Rights are for everyone,” said Stephen Ellis, the Collective’s lawyer. “Services ought to be provided to the public without discrimination.”

The Brockville Peace Collective is committed to fair and equal representation in the City of Brockville and will continue its work of peace in the future.