The office of municipal affairs responded to an email request for information from the Lamont Leader regarding the use of extended closed sessions in council meetings, after more than 80 percent of the Town of Bruderheim’s recent public budget meetings, on Nov. 5 and 6, were held behind closed doors.
The office’s response email said that very clear requirements are set out in the MGA (Municipal Governance Act) for councils to conduct their business openly, except in very limited and specific circumstances.
Additionally, in terms of rules outlined in the MGA, there is no distinction between different kinds of meetings, and a ‘council meeting’ also means a ‘budget’ meeting.
The email further stated that if residents believe there should be more transparency with respect to the items discussed at a council meeting, they should communicate those expectations to their locally elected council.
Additionally, citizens have the option of filing a FOIP (Freedom of Information and Privacy) request for information from the town, working with other residents to request a municipal inspection, or to raise concerns with the local
While the ministry said it is not their role to comment on the appropriateness of a particular council decision when discussing matters in closed sessions, they said that they support local governments to engage their electors whenever possible.
JANA SEMENIUK
