(File photo: Aaron Schulze/northeastNOW Staff)

By Aaron Schulze

democracy

Nipawin council allows recordings during meetings

Apr 5, 2019 | 4:21 PM

The town of Nipawin’s council has made two changes to its procedures bylaw which will make it easier for members of the media to detail what transpires during council meetings.

During the March 25 meeting, the town’s council voted to allow media outlets to record the public portions of proceedings. They also adjusted the agenda to put the introduction and consideration of bylaws before the public forum portion.

Mayor Rennie Harper said the move was in response to a request from local media outlets. Previously the use of recording devices was prohibited during the public council meetings, and it seemed the bylaw was effectively banning the media from talking to elected councillors, which would be a hindrance to democracy and openness.

“I think what happened is when we first looked at this procedure bylaw to change it, we actually were pretty new in council and didn’t really know what we expected from you [the media], and whatnot from ourselves,” Harper told northeastNOW. “I think it took us a little bit of learning and when you pointed it out to us and we started to talk about [it], it’s a very positive move forward.”

recognition

Northerners receive King Charles III Coronation Medals

9h ago

Investigation

RCMP investigating death on Sweetgrass First Nation

10h ago

Community events

Sunday's annual Walk for Veterans in P.A. to be only one in Saskatchewan

12h ago

The bylaw came into question from members of the media, including northeastNOW and the Nipawin Journal, during the Dec. 10 council meeting where the town’s new communications strategy was presented.

The paragraph in question read:

“Only the Mayor or Chief Administrative Officer are authorized to make statements to the media, or participate in media interviews, on behalf of the Town of Nipawin. Council or the Chief Administrative Officer may authorize others to respond directly to media requests for information relating to activities, projects, events and initiatives as deemed appropriate.”

Barry Elliott, Nipawin’s chief administrative officer (CAO), said the strategy wasn’t intended to interfere with any councillor’s elected rights. Harper emphasized councillors are still allowed to go on the record with members of the media outside of council meetings if they chose to do so, although the final decision a council makes is to be answered by the mayor or CAO.

“You can ask questions of anyone you like,” Harper told northeastNOW. “The instruction is though once the decision is made, and as is the rule in municipal law, the mayor or CAO does the speaking.”

Nipawin’s next council meeting is Monday, April 8.

—

aaron.schulze@jpbg.ca