I, Ashu M. G. Solo, filed the following:

1. Civil rights case against the City of Saskatoon (Mayor's Office) and Councillor Randy Donauer for prayer recitations at government organized events

2. Code of Conduct complaint against Mayor Don Atchison for potential online campaign advertising violations

3. Civil rights case against the City of Saskatoon (Saskatoon Transit Services) for promoting holidays from only one religion on city buses

4. Human rights complaint against the City of Saskatoon (Executive Committee) for retaliating against me by not reappointing me to the Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Committee and not appointing me to another civic committee or board

5. Human rights complaint against the City of Saskatoon (City Solicitor’s Office) for retaliating against me by trying to deprive me of my right to directly communicate with members of City Council and by telling employees of other City of Saskatoon departments to not talk to me

6. Human rights complaint against the City of Saskatoon (Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Office) and City of Saskatoon (Living in Harmony Ad Hoc Subcommittee of Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Committee) for retaliating against me by not considering my submissions to the Living in Harmony Contest

This site contains my media releases, some case documents, emails to City Council, etc.

I don't waste my time arguing with opponents.

The backlash makes me much more determined to fight against bigotry and shows the need for these civil rights cases, so I'll be filing more civil rights cases. You ain't seen nothing yet.

Thursday, February 1, 2018

Re: Return of the Snow Ramps

From: Ashu M. G. Solo [mailto:amgsolo@mavericktechnologies.us]
Sent: Thursday, February 1, 2018 7:11 PM
To: 'Figg, Carla (CP - Service Saskatoon)' <Carla.Figg@Saskatoon.ca>; 'TU - R&O Councillor Enquiry' <tuROCE@Saskatoon.ca>
Cc: 'Mayor and Councillors' <dlMayorandCouncillors@Saskatoon.ca>; 'Jorgenson, Jeff (City Manager's Office)' <Jeff.Jorgenson@Saskatoon.ca>; 'Warwick, Patti (Solicitors)' <Patti.Warwick@Saskatoon.ca>; 'Bogad, Christine (Solicitors)' <Christine.Bogad@Saskatoon.ca>; 'Mintenko, Julie (CP - Media Relations)' <Julie.Mintenko@Saskatoon.ca>; 'Rogstad, Mark (CP - Media Relations)' <Mark.Rogstad@Saskatoon.ca>; 'Harris, Brandon (TU - Roadways & Operations)' <Brandon.Harris@Saskatoon.ca>; 'Taylor, Jill (TU - Roadways & Operations)' <Jill.Taylor@Saskatoon.ca>
Subject: RE: [ ~20473 ] Re: Return of the Snow Ramps

Hi Ms. Figg,

The City of Saskatoon believes the snow ramps aren’t a safety problem, but it can’t prove this. As Stephen Hawking said, “What one believes is irrelevant to physics.”

The barriers on bridges and overpasses need to be made much higher to prevent cars from going over them due to snow ramps. This would solve the problem of the snow ramps.

Sincerely,

Ashu M. G. Solo

From: Figg, Carla (CP - Service Saskatoon)
Sent: Thursday, February 1, 2018 8:12 AM
To: amgsolo@mavericktechnologies.us; TU - R&O Councillor Enquiry <tuROCE@Saskatoon.ca>
Cc: Mayor and Councillors <dlMayorandCouncillors@Saskatoon.ca>; Jorgenson, Jeff (City Manager's Office) <Jeff.Jorgenson@Saskatoon.ca>; Warwick, Patti (Solicitors) <Patti.Warwick@Saskatoon.ca>; Bogad, Christine (Solicitors) <Christine.Bogad@Saskatoon.ca>; Mintenko, Julie (CP - Media Relations) <Julie.Mintenko@Saskatoon.ca>; Rogstad, Mark (CP - Media Relations) <Mark.Rogstad@Saskatoon.ca>; Harris, Brandon (TU - Roadways & Operations) <Brandon.Harris@Saskatoon.ca>; Taylor, Jill (TU - Roadways & Operations) <Jill.Taylor@Saskatoon.ca>
Subject: RE: [ ~20473 ] Re: Return of the Snow Ramps

Good morning Mr. Solo,

The City of Saskatoon appreciates your concerns and will continue to monitor our bridges to ensure the snow ramps do not become a safety concern for the citizens. We have full confidence in our engineers and roadways team, as they are taking all precautionary measures necessary.

Thank you again for voicing your concerns.

Carla Figg

Carla M. Figg
Citizen Service Manager, Service Saskatoon
City of Saskatoon | 222 3^rd Avenue North | Saskatoon, SK S7K 0J5

From: Ashu M. G. Solo [mailto:amgsolo@mavericktechnologies.us]
Sent: Thursday, February 01, 2018 12:38 AM
To: TU - R&O Councillor Enquiry <tuROCE@Saskatoon.ca>
Cc: Mayor and Councillors <dlMayorandCouncillors@Saskatoon.ca>; Jorgenson, Jeff (City Manager's Office) <Jeff.Jorgenson@Saskatoon.ca>; Warwick, Patti (Solicitors) <Patti.Warwick@Saskatoon.ca>; Bogad, Christine (Solicitors) <Christine.Bogad@Saskatoon.ca>; Mintenko, Julie (CP - Media Relations) <Julie.Mintenko@Saskatoon.ca>; Rogstad, Mark (CP - Media Relations) <Mark.Rogstad@Saskatoon.ca>; Harris, Brandon (TU - Roadways & Operations) <Brandon.Harris@Saskatoon.ca>; Figg, Carla (CP - Service Saskatoon) <Carla.Figg@Saskatoon.ca>
Subject: RE: [ ~20473 ] Re: Return of the Snow Ramps

Hi Ms. Taylor,

How can you be so sure that the remaining snow ramps won’t elevate a vehicle over the barrier? Has there been any engineering analysis to determine if the snow ramps are steep enough and not dense enough to not elevate a small car over the barrier? If so, who did the analysis and what was the methodology used? I studied engineering and physics at top universities. I don’t know how dense the snow ramps I saw this week were, but they were high enough and appeared not too steep to elevate a vehicle over the barrier. I’m not claiming that you’re lying, but I don’t believe your opinion that the snow ramps won’t elevate a vehicle over the barrier.

Besides the 2013 incident where a vehicle went into the river, I’ve heard of another incident where a vehicle went over a Saskatoon overpass barrier due to a snow ramp.

Saskatoon has really dangerous driving conditions due to the harsh weather, but also due to the City of Saskatoon not listening to taxpayers and not investing enough money and effort into de-icing and snow removal. And we’re all paying for that.

Sincerely,

Ashu M. G. Solo

From: tuROCE@Saskatoon.ca [mailto:tuROCE@Saskatoon.ca]
Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2018 9:21 AM
To: amgsolo@mavericktechnologies.us
Cc: dlMayorandCouncillors@Saskatoon.ca; Jeff.Jorgenson@Saskatoon.ca; Patti.Warwick@Saskatoon.ca; Christine.Bogad@Saskatoon.ca; Julie.Mintenko@Saskatoon.ca; Mark.Rogstad@Saskatoon.ca; Brandon.Harris@Saskatoon.ca; Carla.Figg@Saskatoon.ca
Subject: Re: [ ~20473 ] Re: Return of the Snow Ramps

Good Morning Mr.Solo,

Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding snow removal along guardrails throughout Circle Drive.

This year our snow maintenance crews have been trained using a new process of up to 8 offset snow plows on Circle Drive, including overpasses and bridges. The introduction of this process has led to approximately 85% of barriers along Circle Drive being completely cleared of snow on the first pass. The remaining 15% is in what we call ‘no throw zones’. The snow that remains along 15% of the barriers is not dense enough, is at too steep an angle, and consists of an insubstantial amount of snow, to elevate a vehicle over the barrier.

Our operators avoid throwing snow over the barriers in a few isolated spots so as not to cause property damage, or put snow in pedestrian walkways. In these locations, we return to clear those spots using a snow-blower and hauling to the snow dump. Overall this service is much more efficient, reduces risks of ramping, and is less costly than methods used in the last 3 years.

The instance in 2013 was a result of snow from several events accumulating and packing against the barrier. With the new process, although there may be snow visible against the barrier, we have alleviated the risk of ramping.

Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns.

Regards,

Jill Taylor
Customer Support Coordinator, Customer Service and Operations Support
City of Saskatoon | 222 3^rd Avenue North | Saskatoon, SK S7K 0J5

From: Ashu M. G. Solo <amgsolo@mavericktechnologies.us]>
Sent: Monday, January 29, 2018 11:38 PM
To: 'mayors.office@saskatoon.ca' <mayors.office@saskatoon.ca>; 'charlie.clark@saskatoon.ca' <charlie.clark@saskatoon.ca>; 'darren.hill@saskatoon.ca' <darren.hill@saskatoon.ca>; 'hilary.gough@saskatoon.ca' <hilary.gough@saskatoon.ca>; 'ann.iwanchuk@saskatoon.ca' <ann.iwanchuk@saskatoon.ca>; 'troy.davies@saskatoon.ca' <troy.davies@saskatoon.ca>; 'randy.donauer@saskatoon.ca' <randy.donauer@saskatoon.ca>; 'cynthia.block@saskatoon.ca' <cynthia.block@saskatoon.ca>; 'mairin.loewen@saskatoon.ca' <mairin.loewen@saskatoon.ca>; 'sarina.gersher@saskatoon.ca' <sarina.gersher@saskatoon.ca>; 'bev.dubois@saskatoon.ca' <bev.dubois@saskatoon.ca>; 'zach.jeffries@saskatoon.ca' <zach.jeffries@saskatoon.ca>
Cc: 'Jeff.Jorgenson@Saskatoon.ca' <Jeff.Jorgenson@Saskatoon.ca>
Subject: Return of the Snow Ramps

I saw more snow ramps right up to the top of the curb this morning on the Circle Drive Bridge and an overpass on Circle Drive. It has been several days since the heavy snowfall. The snow ramps should have been a top priority to remove. See my two emails below to the previous city council about this issue and see my StarPhoenix letter to the editor below about this issue. You haven't heard from me in a while because I was out of town, but I'm back in Saskatoon for a little while.

Ashu M. G. Solo

From: Ashu M. G. Solo [mailto:amgsolo@mavericktechnologies.us]
Sent: Tuesday, March 15, 2016 11:06 PM
To: 'mayors.office@saskatoon.ca' <mayors.office@saskatoon.ca>; 'darren.hill@saskatoon.ca' <darren.hill@saskatoon.ca>; 'troy.davies@saskatoon.ca' <troy.davies@saskatoon.ca>; 'pat.lorje@saskatoon.ca' <pat.lorje@saskatoon.ca>; 'charlie.clark@saskatoon.ca' <charlie.clark@saskatoon.ca>; 'mairin.loewen@saskatoon.ca' <mairin.loewen@saskatoon.ca>; 'zach.jeffries@saskatoon.ca' <zach.jeffries@saskatoon.ca>; 'ann.iwanchuk@saskatoon.ca' <ann.iwanchuk@saskatoon.ca>; 'tiffany.paulsen@saskatoon.ca' <tiffany.paulsen@saskatoon.ca>; 'randy.donauer@saskatoon.ca' <randy.donauer@saskatoon.ca>
Subject: RE: City of Saskatoon misleading public about snow ramps

When you fail to adequately fund snow removal because you’re wasting money as specified in my email below, you cause more accidents, injuries, deaths, auto damage claims with SGI, SGI payouts, civil claims, police investigations, loss of work, problems for people, and so on. Much if not all of the money saved by not funding snow removal is paid out by other government organizations in paying for more SGI claims and staff, more police, more court cases and staff, etc. The totally inept handling of snow removal funding by this council has really made this city a much worse place.

There was a protest against police corruption in Saskatoon on Mar. 15, 2016. One of the issues raised was carding by police, a practice that is disproportionately used against minorities, particularly indigenous people in Saskatoon. The Police Services Board needs to immediately put a stop to this practice. Darren Hill and Charlie Clark on the Police Services Board have never experienced racist profiling because they’re white, but I have. Walk a mile in a nonwhite person’s shoes with your mind. Wake up. Wake the hell up and do the right thing. End the practice of carding.

From: Ashu M. G. Solo [mailto:amgsolo@mavericktechnologies.us]
Sent: Friday, January 22, 2016 8:01 AM
To: murray.totland@saskatoon.ca; 'Jeff.Jorgenson@Saskatoon.ca' <Jeff.Jorgenson@Saskatoon.ca>; 'pat.hyde@saskatoon.ca' <pat.hyde@saskatoon.ca>; 'mayors.office@saskatoon.ca' <mayors.office@saskatoon.ca>; 'darren.hill@saskatoon.ca' <darren.hill@saskatoon.ca>; 'troy.davies@saskatoon.ca' <troy.davies@saskatoon.ca>; 'pat.lorje@saskatoon.ca' <pat.lorje@saskatoon.ca>; 'charlie.clark@saskatoon.ca' <charlie.clark@saskatoon.ca>; 'mairin.loewen@saskatoon.ca' <mairin.loewen@saskatoon.ca>; 'zach.jeffries@saskatoon.ca' <zach.jeffries@saskatoon.ca>; 'ann.iwanchuk@saskatoon.ca' <ann.iwanchuk@saskatoon.ca>; 'tiffany.paulsen@saskatoon.ca' <tiffany.paulsen@saskatoon.ca>
Subject: City of Saskatoon misleading public about snow ramps

On the City of Saskatoon’s Facebook and Twitter pages, the city is misleading the public about snow ramps on the sides of bridges and overpasses and implying that the snow ramps have been removed. I drove over some of the bridges and overpasses a few hours ago. I saw snow ramps that go right to the top of the rails on the North Circle Drive Bridge and snow ramps that go to the top of the side barriers on several overpasses on Circle Drive. I’m blind copying this email to the media, so they can hold the city accountable. Also, on Sunday, January 17, 2016, I saw snow ramps going to the top of the bridge rails on the North Circle Drive Bridge and on Circle Drive overpasses.

I cautioned you months ago that there were still snow ramps on the sides of bridges and the problem still exists. I understand that the totally incompetent and uncaring City Council isn’t allocating enough funds for snow removal, but removing the snow ramps on the sides of bridges and overpasses should be a top priority. There were 53 driving accidents on Tuesday, January 19, 2016. You can tell people to slow down, but that’s often not enough.

Below is a letter to the editor by me that was published in The StarPhoenix and that is available online at

http://thestarphoenix.com/storyline/remember-the-snow-ramps-that-launched-a-car-off-a-bridge-in-2013-theyre-back-letter-to-the-editor

Remember the snow ramps that launched a car off a bridge in 2013? They're back: Letter to the Editor

JANUARY 21, 2016 11:00 AM

Once again there are snow ramps on the sides of bridges in Saskatoon. In 2013, such a ramp caused a vehicle to go from the North Circle Drive Bridge into the South Saskatchewan River.

The streets now are extremely icy, which is causing countless accidents. How many people need to drive off bridges before city council wakes up and allocates enough money for snow removal and de-icing? How many winter driving accidents do there need to be before they open their eyes?

How many people need to be injured or killed, and how many cars need to be damaged before the mayor and councillors care? How many voters need to tell them to increase funding for snow removal before they listen?

City council has instead wasted taxpayers’ money on a new police station, an art gallery, Tasers for police, a transit lockout and excessive salaries and benefits for councillors. The mayor and councillors are inept and need to be removed from office in the next election.

Ashu Solo, Saskatoon, from Jan. 21, Letters to the Editor

Sincerely,

Ashu M. G. Solo

Monday, January 29, 2018

Return of the Snow Ramps

From: Ashu M. G. Solo <amgsolo@mavericktechnologies.us>
Sent: Monday, January 29, 2018 11:38 PM
To: 'mayors.office@saskatoon.ca' <mayors.office@saskatoon.ca>; 'charlie.clark@saskatoon.ca' <charlie.clark@saskatoon.ca>; 'darren.hill@saskatoon.ca' <darren.hill@saskatoon.ca>; 'hilary.gough@saskatoon.ca' <hilary.gough@saskatoon.ca>; 'ann.iwanchuk@saskatoon.ca' <ann.iwanchuk@saskatoon.ca>; 'troy.davies@saskatoon.ca' <troy.davies@saskatoon.ca>; 'randy.donauer@saskatoon.ca' <randy.donauer@saskatoon.ca>; 'cynthia.block@saskatoon.ca' <cynthia.block@saskatoon.ca>; 'mairin.loewen@saskatoon.ca' <mairin.loewen@saskatoon.ca>; 'sarina.gersher@saskatoon.ca' <sarina.gersher@saskatoon.ca>; 'bev.dubois@saskatoon.ca' <bev.dubois@saskatoon.ca>; 'zach.jeffries@saskatoon.ca' <zach.jeffries@saskatoon.ca>
Cc: 'Jeff.Jorgenson@Saskatoon.ca' <Jeff.Jorgenson@Saskatoon.ca>
Subject: Return of the Snow Ramps

Ashu M. G. Solo

Below is a letter to the editor by me that was published in The StarPhoenix and that is available online at

http://thestarphoenix.com/storyline/remember-the-snow-ramps-that-launched-a-car-off-a-bridge-in-2013-theyre-back-letter-to-the-editor

Remember the snow ramps that launched a car off a bridge in 2013? They're back: Letter to the Editor

JANUARY 21, 2016 11:00 AM

Once again there are snow ramps on the sides of bridges in Saskatoon. In 2013, such a ramp caused a vehicle to go from the North Circle Drive Bridge into the South Saskatchewan River.

Ashu Solo, Saskatoon, from Jan. 21, Letters to the Editor

Sincerely,

Ashu M. G. Solo

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

FW: RE: Formal Code of Conduct Complaints against Mayoral Candidates Don Atchison and Charlie Clark

From: Ashu M. G. Solo [mailto:amgsolo@mavericktechnologies.us]
Sent: Tuesday, December 6, 2016 11:58 PM
Subject: FW: RE: Formal Code of Conduct Complaints against Mayoral Candidates Don Atchison and Charlie Clark

Dear Media:

As you can see in the email directly below from the Saskatoon city clerk, the decision on my code of conduct complaints against Charlie Clark and Don Atchison is expected to be reported at the public meeting of the Governance and Priorities Committee (composed of the mayor and councillors) on December 7, 2016. The background of these complaints is in the emails below.

Best regards,

Ashu M. G. Solo

From: Sproule, Joanne (Clerks)
Sent: Thursday, November 24, 2016 3:50 PM
To: amgsolo@mavericktechnologies.us
Subject: RE: Formal Code of Conduct Complaints against Mayoral Candidates Don Atchison and Charlie Clark

Dear Mr. Solo,

Thank you for your email.

In accordance with City Council’s Code of Conduct, the determination of a complaint under the Code of Conduct is dealt with In Camera by the Governance and Priorities Committee. As such, it is my duty to maintain confidentiality with respect to any discussion in this regard. I can advise, however, that it is expected that the decision in this matter will be reported to the next public meeting of the Governance and Priorities Committee. The name of the complainant will be redacted from the public report.

The next public meeting of the Governance and Priorities Committee is scheduled for December 7, 2016.

Regards,

Joanne Sproule

From: Ashu M. G. Solo [mailto:amgsolo@mavericktechnologies.us]
Sent: Wednesday, November 23, 2016 3:32 AM
To: Sproule, Joanne (Clerks)
Subject: RE: Formal Code of Conduct Complaints against Mayoral Candidates Don Atchison and Charlie Clark

Hi Ms. Sproule,

What is the outcome of my code of conduct complaints against Charlie Clark and Don Atchison?

Regards,

Ashu M. G. Solo

From: Sproule, Joanne (Clerks)
Sent: Tuesday, September 27, 2016 6:39 AM
To: amgsolo@mavericktechnologies.us
Subject: RE: Formal Code of Conduct Complaints against Mayoral Candidates Don Atchison and Charlie Clark

Dear Mr. Solo,

Thank you for the email. Your complaint will be placed before the Governance and Priorities Committee (In Camera). The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 21, 2016.

Regards,

Joanne Sproule

City Clerk

From: Ashu M. G. Solo [mailto:amgsolo@mavericktechnologies.us]
Sent: Tuesday, September 27, 2016 6:06 AM
To: Sproule, Joanne (Clerks)
Subject: RE: Formal Code of Conduct Complaints against Mayoral Candidates Don Atchison and Charlie Clark

Dear City Clerk Joanne Sproule,

That’s correct that mayoral candidates Don Atchison and Charlie Clark have removed references to themselves with their titles from their campaign Facebook pages. However, I would still like you to move this matter forward in accordance with the process outlined in the code of conduct. In response to your email inquiry below, I confirm that I want to continue to lodge this complaint pursuant to the provisions of the code of conduct. Thanks.

When a Saskatonian violates a parking bylaw, she usually gets fined instead of just getting a chance to rectify the problem. Similarly, although Atchison and Clark have rectified the problem, they should be sanctioned for violating their code of conduct. Nobody should be above the rules, particularly not those who make them. Although I don’t agree with this rule, council members who make the rules must follow them, particularly when the public is expected to follow the foolish rules they make.

Best regards,

Ashu M. G. Solo

From: Sproule, Joanne (Clerks)
Sent: Monday, September 26, 2016 9:38 AM
To: amgsolo@mavericktechnologies.us
Subject: RE: Formal Code of Conduct Complaints against Mayoral Candidates Don Atchison and Charlie Clark

Dear Mr. Solo:

Thank you for your email. On Friday, September 23, 2016, I forwarded the details of your complaint to the Returning Officer, who in turn contacted the campaign offices of both Charlie Clark and Don Atchison. The Returning Officer alerted both campaign offices of the complaint received and of the requirements of the Code of Conduct for members of City Council during an election period.

As set out in Section 7C of the Code of Conduct, a process is in place and will be followed in dealing with complaints of this nature. A complaint received by the City Clerk shall be forwarded to the Governance and Priorities Committee (formerly Executive Committee) In Camera, where the Committee will decide whether to proceed to investigate the complaint or not. As City Clerk, my responsibility in matters of this nature is to receive the complaint from the complainant and ensure that the complainant’s submission is formally forwarded to the Governance and Priorities Committee (In Camera) for review and consideration.

I understand both Mr. Clark’s and Mr. Atchison’s campaign offices have taken steps to rectify the references in their advertising. If this is not the case, or if you are not satisfied with the outcome, I will formally move the matter forward in accordance with the process outlined in the Code of Conduct. Please confirm if you wish to continue to lodge this complaint pursuant to the provisions of the Code of Conduct.

Regards,

Joanne Sproule

City Clerk

From: Ashu M. G. Solo [mailto:amgsolo@mavericktechnologies.us]
Sent: Friday, September 23, 2016 6:03 AM
To: Sproule, Joanne (Clerks)
Subject: Formal Code of Conduct Complaints against Mayoral Candidates Don Atchison and Charlie Clark

Dear Saskatoon City Clerk Joanne Sproule:

I would like to file formal complaints against mayoral candidates Don Atchison and Charlie Clark. Atchison and Clark are currently violating the Code of Conduct for Members of Saskatoon City Council in their online campaign advertising. I previously filed a formal complaint against Atchison in 2012 for violating this city council code of conduct in his online campaign advertising that year.

Section 5 of the council code of conduct ( available at

https://www.saskatoon.ca/sites/default/files/documents/city-clerk/code_of_conduct_for_members_of_city_council.pdf )

prohibits references to council members as “Councillor X” or “Mayor Y” in campaign advertising from September 21, 2016 to the date of the election. I personally think this is a ridiculous rule and that council members should be able to use their titles. However, council members must follow their code of conduct. City Council makes many foolish by-laws that the public has to follow. If they expect the public to follow rules, they should follow them too. In the future, this rule should be removed by City Council.

I am attaching PDF files and screenshots of the campaign Facebook pages of Atchison and Clark. Atchison refers to himself as “Mayor Don Atchison” once, “Mayor Atchison” three times, “Mayor ‘Atch’” once, and “Mayor Atch” once. Clark refers to himself as “Councillor Charlie Clark” once. I couldn’t find similar violations by other members of City Council or I would complain about them too.

Because Atchison violated the council code of conduct with his campaign advertising in two separate campaigns in 2012 and 2016, I believe that he should be removed from the mayoral race or removed from office if he wins. I believe Clark should be fined.

I’m making these complaints because in a democracy, the government doesn’t just hold citizens accountable, but citizens hold government accountable. Not only is the business of people the business of government, but the business of government is the business of people.

I am blind copying this email to the media, so they can also be aware of these violations of the city council code of conduct by Atchison and Clark. I look forward to your response.

Best regards,

Ashu M. G. Solo

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

RE: Formal Code of Conduct Complaints against Mayoral Candidates Don Atchison and Charlie Clark

Dear Mr. Solo,

Thank you for the email. Your complaint will be placed before the Governance and Priorities Committee (In Camera). The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 21, 2016.

Regards,

Joanne Sproule

City Clerk

Dear City Clerk Joanne Sproule,

Best regards,

Ashu M. G. Solo

Dear Mr. Solo:

Regards,

Joanne Sproule

City Clerk

Dear Saskatoon City Clerk Joanne Sproule:

Section 5 of the council code of conduct ( available at

https://www.saskatoon.ca/sites/default/files/documents/city-clerk/code_of_conduct_for_members_of_city_council.pdf )

I am blind copying this email to the media, so they can also be aware of these violations of the city council code of conduct by Atchison and Clark. I look forward to your response.

Best regards,

Ashu M. G. Solo

RE: Formal Code of Conduct Complaints against Mayoral Candidates Don Atchison and Charlie Clark

Dear City Clerk Joanne Sproule,

Best regards,

Ashu M. G. Solo

Dear Mr. Solo:

Regards,

Joanne Sproule

City Clerk

Dear Saskatoon City Clerk Joanne Sproule:

Section 5 of the council code of conduct ( available at

https://www.saskatoon.ca/sites/default/files/documents/city-clerk/code_of_conduct_for_members_of_city_council.pdf )

I am blind copying this email to the media, so they can also be aware of these violations of the city council code of conduct by Atchison and Clark. I look forward to your response.

Best regards,

Ashu M. G. Solo

Monday, September 26, 2016

Dear Mr. Solo:

Regards,

Joanne Sproule

City Clerk

Dear Saskatoon City Clerk Joanne Sproule:

Section 5 of the council code of conduct ( available at

https://www.saskatoon.ca/sites/default/files/documents/city-clerk/code_of_conduct_for_members_of_city_council.pdf )

I am blind copying this email to the media, so they can also be aware of these violations of the city council code of conduct by Atchison and Clark. I look forward to your response.

Best regards,

Ashu M. G. Solo

Friday, September 23, 2016

Formal Code of Conduct Complaints against Mayoral Candidates Don Atchison and Charlie Clark

Dear Saskatoon City Clerk Joanne Sproule:

Section 5 of the council code of conduct ( available at

https://www.saskatoon.ca/sites/default/files/documents/city-clerk/code_of_conduct_for_members_of_city_council.pdf )

I am blind copying this email to the media, so they can also be aware of these violations of the city council code of conduct by Atchison and Clark. I look forward to your response.

Best regards,

Ashu M. G. Solo

Thursday, April 14, 2016

MEDIA ADVISORY: Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission Affirms Separation of Religion and Government

MEDIA ADVISORY: Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission Affirms Separation of Religion and Government

SASKATOON, SK, Apr. 14, 2016 – Although the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has dismissed Ashu M. G. Solo’s prayer recitation case against Councillor Randy Donauer and the City of Saskatoon, they affirmed the separation of religion and government. Donauer tried to lead a diverse audience in a Christian prayer on April 18, 2012 at a Volunteer Appreciation Banquet organized by the Mayor's Office.

SHRC found that a one-time prayer recitation did not cause sufficient harm to breach the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, but that ongoing prayer recitations would. Judge David Arnot, chief commissioner of SHRC, wrote, “The adoption of a general practice of reciting prayers at municipal events is contrary to the Code.” His full decision is available at

http://saskatchewanhumanrights.ca/pub/2016/20160414_SK-12_043_Dismissal.pdf

“Regardless of Judge Arnot’s decision on my civil rights case, I’m glad that filing this case caused the city to stop prayer recitations at civic events,” Solo said. “Other municipalities should heed the chief commissioner saying that a general practice of prayer recitations is contrary to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code. Donauer said that he was just expressing his beliefs. He was abusing his government office to get other people to pray according to his beliefs.”

Justin Trottier, board member of the Canadian Secular Alliance, said, “The Canadian Secular Alliance is thankful that the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission recognized it’s inappropriate to have prayer recitations at city events and that the city has discontinued this discriminatory practice.”

For further information:

Ashu M. G. Solo

amgsolo@mavericktechnologies.us

Canadian Secular Alliance

Justin Trottier

justin.trottier@gmail.com

Sunday, August 31, 2014

Supreme Court of Canada decision on Saguenay City Council prayer recitation case will affect whether prayer recitations are allowed at government meetings across Canada including in Saskatchewan

The Supreme Court of Canada will be hearing a case on whether Saguenay City Council meetings can be opened with prayer recitations. The case was filed by Alain Simoneau. The Quebec Human Rights Tribunal ruled in favor of Simoneau. The Quebec Court of Appeal ruled in favor of Saguenay Mayor Jean Tremblay. Now the case is being appealed to the Supreme Court of Canada by Alain Simoneau and the Quebec Secular Movement.

See the following articles:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/supreme-court-to-hear-the-saguenay-city-hall-prayer-case-1.2498935

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/supreme-court-to-hear-case-of-municipal-council-opening-meetings-with-prayer/article16364426/

The outcome of Simoneau's case will affect whether prayer recitations are allowed at government meetings across Canada including in Saskatchewan and Saskatoon. I was hoping my prayer recitation case would have that kind of impact, but Simoneau's case was filed first in 2006 and will set the legal precedent for Canada.

The Canadian Secular Alliance has been granted intervener status in Simoneau's case. They could use your support:

http://secularalliance.ca/media/special-projects/csa-prayer-case-fundraiser/

There won't be any further developments in my cases until 2015. The Christmas message case was dismissed by the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.

Friday, May 30, 2014

MEDIA ALERT: Sask. Human Rights Commission Dismisses City of Saskatoon’s Application for Summary Dismissal of Ashu Solo v. City of Saskatoon and Randy Donauer

From: Ashu M. G. Solo
Sent: Friday, May 30, 2014 11:16 PM
Subject: MEDIA ALERT: Sask. Human Rights Commission Dismisses City of Saskatoon’s Application for Summary Dismissal of Ashu Solo v. City of Saskatoon and Randy Donauer

Dear Media,

I am attaching a scan of a letter and envelope from the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC). They have dismissed the City of Saskatoon’s frivolous and vexatious application for summary dismissal of my prayer recitation case against the City of Saskatoon (Mayor's Office) and Councillor Randy Donauer. They have also dismissed a request by me for the chief commissioner, Judge David Arnot, to recuse himself from dealing further with this case because he has publicly praised Mayor Don Atchison and knows Atchison from high school.

The City of Saskatoon could appeal the dismissal of their application for summary dismissal at the Court of Queen’s Bench. If they lose there, they could appeal at the Court of Appeal.

If they don’t appeal, the case will move forward. This is the SHRC resolution roadmap:

http://saskatchewanhumanrights.ca/how-to-file-a-complaint/the-resolution-roadmap

As you can see in the attached letter, the arguments of the City Solicitor's Office in its application for summary dismissal were frivolous and vexatious and the SHRC recognized them as such.

The City Solicitor's Office says that I threaten human rights complaints to advance my political agenda. There's nothing wrong with someone threatening to file a human rights complaint if an organization doesn't stop a discriminatory action against him. That's all I've done.

The City Solicitor’s Office says the media was misinformed about not participating in mediation. SHRC sent me an email message saying the City of Saskatoon wouldn’t participate in mediation. I forwarded this to the media. Then the City Solicitor’s Office claimed it would participate in mediation, but wasn’t available on the date set by SHRC. Since then, I’ve repeatedly called for the City of Saskatoon and Donauer to attempt mediation and they could agree at any time, but haven’t done so.

The City Solicitor's Office claimed that the time deadline wasn't met. No deadline was missed. I filed my intake questionnaire with SHRC just 13 days after the volunteer appreciation banquet in which Donauer tried to lead the audience in a prayer. I waited 13 days because I first gave Atchison and Donauer the chance to agree to stop having prayer recitations at future events. I had a year to file this intake questionnaire according to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code.

The City of Saskatoon, Atchison, and Donauer are wasting their time and taxpayer money by not agreeing to cease prayer recitations and now by making frivolous and vexatious arguments to try to get this case dismissed.

Atchison, Donauer, and my opponents are really petty for not agreeing to get rid of prayer recitations at City of Saskatoon events and for forcing me to go to SHRC. If this case goes to trial, I seek a judgment that has the effect of banning prayer recitations at civic events throughout the province of Saskatchewan and that has significant persuasive value in other provinces too.

I'm fighting for a country where the government neither promotes nor suppresses any religion, where the government neither favors nor disfavors any religion, and where the government equitably treats people of all religions, nonreligious spiritual people, agnostics, and atheists.

Here's a good article on freedom of and from religion in Canada:

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/doug-thomas/religious-freedom-atheists-canada_b_5351944.html

My three human rights complaints against the City of Saskatoon for retaliation against me by the City of Saskatoon are still pending:

http://www.saskatoonhomepage.ca/city-waiting-to-take-action-on-complaints/itemid_21

I asked for these human rights complaints to be combined into one case. SHRC has to decide whether there is reasonable grounds to believe the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code may have been violated. If they find reasonable grounds, then they will move forward with this case too.

If you have any questions, you can reach me at amgsolo@mavericktechnologies.us.

Best regards,

Ashu M. G. Solo

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Bus ads fine

Letter to the editor: "Bus ads fine" by Ashu M. G. Solo in The StarPhoenix

http://www2.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/local/story.html?id=67ced49f-a9fe-467f-9ac2-392d882c8ff2

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

MEDIA ADVISORY: Solo Files Three New Human Rights Complaints against City of Saskatoon for Retaliation against Him

Transmitted At: 2013-12-18 01:29 http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2013/18/c5415.html

MEDIA ADVISORY: Solo Files Three New Human Rights Complaints against City of Saskatoon for Retaliation against Him

SASKATOON, SK, Dec. 18, 2013 /CNW/ - Ashu M. G. Solo has filed three new human rights complaints against the City of Saskatoon on December 17, 2013 with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission. These complaints are for retaliation against him by the City of Saskatoon for his prayer recitation civil rights case and Christmas message civil rights case. Retaliation for filing human rights complaints is considered a form of discrimination and strictly prohibited under section 45 of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code.

The first human rights complaint is against the City of Saskatoon (Executive Committee) for retaliating against Solo by not reappointing him to the Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Committee and not appointing him to another civic committee or board. The second human rights complaint is against the City of Saskatoon (City Solicitor’s Office) for retaliating against Solo by trying to deprive him of his right to directly communicate with members of City Council and by telling employees of other City of Saskatoon departments to not talk to him. The third human rights complaint is against the City of Saskatoon (Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Office) and City of Saskatoon (Living in Harmony Ad Hoc Subcommittee of Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Committee) for retaliating against Solo by not considering his submissions to the Living in Harmony Contest.

“Employees of the City of Saskatoon are clearly abusing their authority to retaliate against me for my civil rights cases,” Solo said. “This is disgraceful. Their retaliation makes me more determined to pursue my cases.”

Further information:

Ashu M. G. Solo
amgsolo@mavericktechnologies.us

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Just a beginning

Letter to the editor: "Just a beginning" by Ashu M. G. Solo in The StarPhoenix

http://www2.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/forum/story.html?id=f03ed341-43c4-4bd1-b677-7d6ae87d23c0

This letter was edited by the newspaper.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

MEDIA ADVISORY: City of Saskatoon Rejects Prayer Policy and Forces Solo to Continue Proceeding with Prayer Recitation Case

MEDIA ADVISORY: City of Saskatoon Rejects Prayer Policy and Forces Solo to Continue Proceeding with Prayer Recitation Case

SASKATOON, SK, Nov. 26, 2013 - In a cowardly move, the City of Saskatoon's Executive Committee, which is composed of the mayor and all councillors, decided on November 25, 2013 to not implement a prayer policy to prevent religious prayers at civic events. Therefore, secularism activist Ashu M. G. Solo is being forced to continue with his prayer recitation case against the City of Saskatoon and Councillor Randy Donauer with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC).

SHRC will consider the City of Saskatoon's frivolous and vexatious application for summary dismissal of Solo's case. Solo expects the application for summary dismissal to be rejected. Then Solo expects SHRC to make another attempt at mediation, but the City of Saskatoon and Donauer haven't participated in mediation so far. Finally, Solo expects that SHRC will take his case to Court of Queen's Bench to be decided upon by a judge.

"What's the point of getting elected if a politician doesn't have the guts to stand up for what's right?" Solo asked. "The Executive Committee caved to the public backlash. I tried from the beginning to resolve this case in a cooperative manner. Now they're forcing me to go all the way in the legal process. The status quo will not prevail."

Solo will seek a judgment from the Court of Queen's Bench that has the effect of banning prayer recitations at government organized events throughout the province of Saskatchewan and that has significant persuasive value in other provinces. This will also outlaw prayer recitations at the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly and at Yorkton City Council meetings.

Further information:

Ashu M. G. Solo
amgsolo@mavericktechnologies.us

Justin Trottier
Canadian Secular Alliance
info@secularalliance.ca

Friday, November 22, 2013

MEDIA ALERT: Solo's Response to Prayer Guidelines Proposed by City Solicitor's Office

From: Ashu M. G. Solo [mailto:amgsolo@mavericktechnologies.us]
Sent: Friday, November 22, 2013 12:31 AM
Subject: MEDIA ALERT: Solo's Response to Prayer Guidelines Proposed by City Solicitor's Office

Dear Media:

In response to my prayer recitation case against the City of Saskatoon and Councillor Randy Donauer, the City Solicitor’s Office has suggested a pre-meal meditation and generic event meditation followed by a moment of silence for city events. These will be considered by the Executive Committee, which is composed of the mayor and all councillors, at their meeting on Monday, November 25, 2013.

The last 25 pages of the attached Executive Committee report, which can also be found at

http://saskatoon.ca/DEPARTMENTS/City%20Clerks%20Office/Boards%20and%20Committees/agendasandminutes/Pages/default.aspx, talk about the secularism issues I’ve raised in Saskatoon. Their suggested pre-meal meditation and generic event meditation can be found on the second last page of this report or in Charles Hamilton’s StarPhoenix article at http://www.thestarphoenix.com/news/City+pitches+inclusive+greeting+place+prayer/9197104/story.html.

After I filed this case with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission, the City of Saskatoon has been forced to make an effort to be more inclusive, so my advisors, supporters, and I have already helped the City of Saskatoon become more respectful of diversity.

If the city drops the idea of a moment of silence and makes a few minor word tweaks to the suggested pre-meal meditation and generic event meditation, I’m willing to drop my civil rights case against the City of Saskatoon and Randy Donauer. I’m not looking for money in this case.

The pre-meal meditation suggested by the City Solicitor’s Office follows:

Let us together bow our heads.

We take this moment to pause, before the enjoyment of a meal well-prepared for our celebration, to recognize and appreciate the gifts from nature provided, the work of human hands contributed, and sacrifice represented for our benefit.

Each of us have our own beliefs. Whether we are thankful for the bounty provided by one God or many, from a great spirit energy that is common to us all, or simply from the good people behind the door to the kitchen, we are all together in this moment, full of the grace that comes from being thankful for a gift that is given.

May we all enjoy the gift that is the good meal before us.

Amen.

They have made more of an attempt to try to accommodate people of monotheistic religions, polytheistic religions, aboriginal spiritual people, atheists, and agnostics. I would be willing to accept this pre-meal meditation if they drop the instruction to bow people’s heads and if they drop the word “amen.” Bowing heads is not done in all religions and is certainly not done by atheists or agnostics. “Amen” is a term used to end religious prayers in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. The City Solicitor’s Office acknowledges in their report to the Executive Committee that the term “amen” is Christian in nature.

In addition to the pre-meal meditation, the City Solicitor’s Office has proposed a generic event meditation. I don’t believe that the City of Saskatoon currently has generic event prayers, so I don’t see the need to add one now. The City Solicitor’s Office is creating more problems by proposing a generic event meditation. The generic event meditation suggested by the City Solicitor’s Office follows:

Thank you for life and the world, for everyone with whom we share this together.

Thank you for today. Let us choose today's goals wisely and live today perfectly.

Let us ensure that we love and respect ourselves and others.

Guide us through our lives to live gracefully.

Amen.

This generic event meditation is more focused on thanking a higher power or God and asking for guidance from a higher power or God, especially when they say “thank you for life and the world,” “thank you for today,” and “guide us through our lives to live gracefully.” Also, they should drop “amen.” I would be willing to accept this generic event meditation if they replaced it with the following language:

Let us be thankful for life and the world and for everyone with whom we share this together.

Let us be thankful for today. Let us choose today's goals wisely and live today perfectly.

Let us ensure that we love and respect ourselves and others.

Let us live our lives gracefully.

The mayor and councillors should accept my proposals, so they stop wasting taxpayer money and so their friend Donauer can put his legal problems behind him and focus on his bid to be one of Harper’s regressive lackeys. Maybe I’ll run against Donauer in the next federal election. Who else will have the guts to call him out on his religious discrimination and bigotry for initially insisting on having Christian prayer recitations at civic events?

If you have any questions, I can be reached at amgsolo@mavericktechnologies.us. You can also talk to Justin Trottier, spokesperson for the Canadian Secular Alliance and founder of the Centre for Inquiry Canada, at info@secularalliance.ca. Justin is extremely familiar with this case.

Best regards,

Ashu M. G. Solo