Elliot Lake council has voted in favour of amending a bylaw, which will now allow for the city hall flag to be lowered when a Canadian soldier is killed in action anywhere in the world.
Mayor Dan Marchisella, an Afghanistan war veteran, moved the motion stating members of the Canadian Forces do not serve specific communities while enlisted, but serve the nation as a whole, sacrificing personal well-being while on active duty.
The city’s previous bylaw allowed for the flag-lowering, but only if it involved a soldier with a “direct connection” to the city.
Councillor Tammy VanRoon did not take part declaring a conflict as she is an active member of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Council voted 4-2 in favour of the amendment.