He addressed council, however, as a “deeply concerned, 42-year resident of Unionville and Markham” who was “embarrassed and ashamed” over the raising of the Chinese Communist flag.

“As Canadians and residents of this great city who promote tolerance and human rights as core Canadian values, we cannot allow these principles to be cynically co-opted by those who value political transactions and power over human dignity.

"Raising the Chinese communist flag anywhere in this city is as offensive as raising the flag of any other totalitarian regime that’s engaged in ethnic cleansing and violent repression.

"It signals acquiescence to this behaviour and is taken by many as encouragement of further engagement in it.”

Markham resident and community activist Shanta Sundarason said only seven countries have had their flags raised at the city, with the majority of these countries “flouting basic human rights."

“The recent raising of several flags has caused hurt, sadness, anger, resentment and unrest amongst many within our community. There are many ways to celebrate diversity of the various nationalities here in Markham, but raising the flags of human rights-violating nations should not be part of that effort.”

Markham Mayor Frank Frank Scarpitti said the city “shouldn’t change a thing” about its flag-raising policy.

“It’s not a political statement. It’s when a community member wants a flag raising and, for me, as it's always been, it’s a source of pride of those cultural groups that they are a part of Markham and a part of Canada,” he said.

“I understand there are different perspectives. I get that. But don’t go down this path,” he urged his fellow councillors, noting “the great pride cultural groups take in raising flags that represent their culture in our city.”

Coun. Andrew Keyes, however, said the only reason they were having the discussion in the first place was because of the significant response from the public over the issue.

He argued these type of flag raisings do not bring the community together and proposed all foreign flag raisings be prohibited except in the case of a visiting dignitary, which follows the practice in Ottawa. Keyes said there are plenty of other ways to celebrate Markham's diversity.

A final vote takes place at council on Tuesday, Feb. 11.

At the Feb. 3 general committee meeting last week, councillors Keyes, Irish, McAlpine, Rea, Jones and Hamilton voted in favour of eliminating the practice. Mayor Scarpitti and councillors Ho, Lee, Collucci and Usman voted against. Councillors Heath and Li were absent.