Proposed changes to municipal governance brings to mind the adage, “if a tree falls in the forest...”

That’s the same question the media constantly ponders when dealing with municipal boards and councils. If councillors deal with public issues in camera (closed to the public) how would anyone know?

Bill C-130 the Municipal Statute Law Amendment Act means that starting January 2008, members of the public will have the ability to file a complaint if they suspect a municipal council, board or committee is meeting in private for any reason other than those permitted under the Municipal Act. It’s important that politicians more closely scrutinize issues before arbitrarily going in camera. This change will help.

Under this new legislation, municipalities have to appoint a closed-meeting investigator by Dec. 31, or else the Ontario Ombudsman will assume the responsibility by default and at no cost to municipalities.

The change is needed. Ever since the Province allowed councils to hold private ‘education’ sessions, some councils have taken advantage of its ambiguity. Under education sessions, councils are allowed to meet as long as discussions don’t advance the business or decision making of the body. Politicians would suggest actual motions and decisions would constitute ‘advancing business.’ We suggest any form of debate advances the decision making process.

Pickering had the right idea by appointing a mayor’s task force made up of those with a vested interest in accountable government. Pickering clearly dealt with this issue early on where some others are left scrambling to meet the deadline. Oshawa Mayor John Gray said the City doesn’t have the time to set up such a group. Instead, Oshawa will send out 1,400 surveys to the general public. We’re not sure why the City thinks that would be more effective than having a group of experts wrestle with the issue. When it comes to physician recruitment, we would rather have a committee made up of health experts and community leaders than basing our decisions from random surveys.

All councils should take these changes seriously and ensure information that should be discussed in the open is not debated behind closed doors.

-- Metroland Durham Region Media Group