The usual prayer that marked the beginning of every Common Council meeting is being replaced with a moment of silence following a recent decision by the Supreme Court of Canada.
The Court unanimously ruled that prayers cannot be read before municipal council meetings.
Mayor Mel Norton says they’re going to respect that decision and that this council chamber belongs to those of faith and those who choose otherwise. Norton says this is a council chamber for all citizens.
At its most recent meeting council taking time to honour Constable Michael Paul Hebert of the Saint John police who passed away about a week ago. Norton says those who knew him know he was the kind of person that would do anything for anyone.
