persons allowed at the table
No person, except members, the administrator and other members of administration, as authorized by the administrator and such persons as are permitted by the reeve shall be allowed to be seated at the council table during the sittings of the council.
delegations
A person wishing to speak to council on a matter shall notify the administrator in writing. The notice shall include the following:
- the name and correct mailing address of the spokesperson;
- telephone number where the representative of the delegation can be reached during the day;
- originally signed, except when submitted by facsimile or e-mail; and,
- clearly setting out the subject matter to be discussed and the request being made of council.
The notice shall be received no later than noon on the Wednesday preceding the regular council meeting to be included on the agenda.
The total time allowed to speak shall be not more than 10 minutes per individual or delegation.
The administrator, who shall consult with the Reeve, may refuse to accept a request to speak to council if council has, within the six (6) months immediately preceding the request, already heard from the person and dealt with the same or substantially the same matter by resolution or bylaw.
conduct of public
All persons in the public gallery at a council meeting shall:
- refrain from addressing council or a member unless permitted to do so;
- maintain quiet and order;
- refrain from disturbing the proceedings by words, gestures or actions including applauding, displaying flags, placards or similar material;
- refrain from talking on cellular telephones;
- refrain from making audio or video recordings of council proceedings; and
- ensure that all electronic devices are silent and operated in such a manner that does not interfere with the meeting or with another person’s ability to hear or view the proceedings.
conduct of delegations
When addressing members at a council meeting, a delegation shall refrain from:
- speaking disrespectfully of the federal government, the provincial government or another municipal council, or any official representing them;
- using offensive words in referring to a member, an employee of the municipality or a member of the public;
- reflecting on a vote of council except when moving to rescind or reconsider it;
- reflecting on the motives of the members who voted on the motion or the mover of the motion; or
- shouting or using an immoderate tone, profane, vulgar or offensive language.
improper conduct
- The reeve may request that any person in the public gallery who disturbs the proceedings of council or acts improperly at a council meeting, leave or be expelled from the meeting.
- The reeve may request that any delegation who addresses council improperly, leave or be expelled from the meeting.
- No person shall refuse to leave a council meeting when requested to do so by the reeve.
- Any person who refuses to leave when requested to do so may be removed.
- If a person disturbs the proceedings of council or refuses to leave when requested to do so, the reeve may recess the meeting until the person leaves or adjourn the meeting to another day.
DO I HAVE THE RIGHT TO ACCESS MUNICIPAL INFORMATION?
In section 117 in The Municipalities Act it gives you the statutory right to inspect documents such as the minutes of council meetings after they have been approved as well as contracts approved by council, audited financial statements and other designated documents.
The Local Authority Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act provides a statutory right of access to any record in the possession or control of a municipality with limited exceptions such as records that are already in public record.