Key messages COUNCIL Q/A

Hamilton has dropped the Red Hill Creek Law suit against the Government of Canada.
The lawsuit related to the actions of the government of the day, three Prime Ministers ago.
It is time to move on.
If asked
Every settlement is a compromise.
In this compromise, both sides have simply agreed that the other was acting in good faith at the
time, and to drop the lawsuit without costs.

Why did Hamilton drop the lawsuit?

The lawsuit related to the actions of the government of the day, three Prime Ministers ago.
It is time to move on.

On what terms did you settle?

Every settlement is a compromise.

In this compromise, both sides have simply agreed that the other was acting in good faith at the
time, and to drop the lawsuit without costs.

Should the lawsuit have been dropped earlier?

We think it raised important issues at the time the suit was launched.
Since then, there has been a lot of water under the bridge.
Also, the Government of Canada in CEAA 2012 has created a much clearer role for federalmunicipal cooperation.
Under the new law, it is much less likely that such a fact situation could arise again.

Is the transfer of the Pier to Hamilton part of the settlement?

No, but it is a sign of the much more productive work environment that we currently enjoy.

Is there was a linkage between the Marine Discovery Centre and the settlement?

There is no doubt that by moving ahead in this more positive manner, it helped make the
transfer possible.
The settlement and transfer, albeit two separate agreements - progressed simultaneously.

How much did the law suit cost?

Approximately $3M (city costs)

Was Council wrong to launch the lawsuit? Was it a waste?

The issues raised were very important at the time.

Now, it is time to turn the page.
The City of Hamilton has entered into a settlement that ends the lawsuit.
It is time to stop talking about who was right and who was wrong, and get on with working
together.
(If pressed) You are ignoring the questionwas it a waste to do this?
o Not at all.
o We think it raised important issues at the time the suit was launched.
o Since then, there has been a lot of water under the bridge.
o It is time to move on.

Did the city of Hamilton admit it was wrong by dropping the lawsuit?

Every settlement is a compromise.

In this compromise, both sides have agreed to respect that the other was acting in good faith at
the time.
And we have agreed that it is time to end the lawsuit and turn the page.
(if pressed) Does that mean you lost?
o
o
o
o
o

We think it was important to take a stand when we did.

We think it raised important issues at the time the suit was launched.
Standing up for Hamilton at that time was itself, at that time, an an important outcome.
Since then, there has been a lot of water under the bridge.
It is time to move on.

Are you still saying the government of Canada acted wrongly?

Every settlement is a compromise.

In this compromise, both sides have agreed to respect that the other was acting in good faith at
the time.
And we have agreed that it is time to end the lawsuit and turn the page.