Brett Smyth has resigned from North Saanich council effective immediately, just five months after the election.
In a statement from the district confirming the decision, a by-election will be held to fill his seat on council as per the Community Charter, and details of that election will be made available soon.
In Smyth’s letter of resignation, published alongside the district’s statement, he said the decision was not made lightly and was “made necessary, but not specifically,” in light of an “off-handed comment” he made at a recent council meeting.
While Smyth did not provide further details on the “off-handed comment” he made, during the March 20 regular council meeting he and Mayor Peter Jones sparred briefly during the mayors report regarding the Mayor’s Official Community Plan Advisory Committee.
READ MORE: North Saanich councillor resigns one month after election
That’s when Smyth referred to the mayor as “Mr. Hitler.”
“I think if we are to be transparent here, we need to have these meetings live streamed, and people’s CVs should be available to the public,” Smyth said to council on March 20 in response to Jones’ clarification only the MOPAC meetings would be broadcast live, and not those of its various working groups and that the CVs of its members would not be published despite some on council encouraging Jones to do so in order for the community to understand their qualifications.
“You can do whatever you want because you have set it up in that way, in a very political way,” said Smyth before Jones interrupted, asking Smyth to refrain from making those statements.
“It is not a political approach, it is a practical approach to getting the new OCP done,” countered Jones.
“I cannot refrain from something that is the truth,” said Smyth, before Jones said he will no longer take any questions as the mayor’s report is for information only.
“Thank you Mr. Hitler,” Smyth said in response to the end of discussion.
“I would have preferred a more positive environment at the municipal hall but when all voices are not respected, then it is difficult to practice the patience required of an elected official,” wrote Smyth in his resignation letter. “I am going to particularly miss the friendly professional relationships I have made with so many of our great staff, as well as the many residents I have met during the past four years and five months on council.”
He concluded his letter of resignation, addressed to Rachel Dumas, the district’s corporate officer, by wishing mayor and council good luck moving forward “with a more collaborative and free-thinking approach that has the best interests of all residents.”
READ MORE: ‘A deep sense of distrust’: Consultant cancels North Saanich contract over OCP concerns
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