ERIN – Changes to Ontario’s Municipal Act may have opened up the possibility of councillors participating in public meetings by phone or video link, but Erin council is not interested for now.
Members voted to prohibit electronic participation, though councillor Mike Robins said he considered it a reasonable alternative when a member must be away. He said with proper procedures and improvements to technology, such a system could work.
Deputy clerk Lisa Campion said there would be difficulties with the current set-up. She said it may be necessary to hold a phone up to a council chamber microphone so the remote member’s comments could feed into the live-stream system.
A remote member also may not be able to clearly hear other members depending on the quality of cell phone or internet signals.
They could have trouble indicating to the chair when they wanted to speak, would not have access to materials handed out at the meeting and could not sign written declarations of pecuniary interest.
And a remote link would not be allowed for a closed session of council.
Councillors John Brennan and Rob Smith said they have not seen a need for such as system during their time on council.
20 weeks of parental leave
Council has approved a pregnancy and parental leave policy to match changes to Ontario’s Municipal Act, ensuring council members can take a leave for up to 20 consecutive weeks without being removed from office.
Councillor John Brennan said it was a “good thing”, since concern about taking a leave could discourage some people from running for office.
Deputy clerk Lisa Campion said the change “aims to increase fairness and reduce barriers”, and municipalities must have a policy that conforms by March 2019.
Under the policy, a member will not require council approval for a leave of up to 20 weeks, but must a apply to council if they want a longer leave. During a leave, a member will retain full pay and benefits.
They are exempt from attending meetings, but will receive all council materials, may carry on as many normal activities as they wish, and reserve the right to exercise their authority at any time.
