Can the mover or seconder of a nomination speak in support of the nomination?
The procedure approved by Regional Council does not contemplate that the mover or seconder of the nomination will speak in support of the nominee. Rather, the procedure allows each nominee to make a five minute speech.
Can a member of Council move their own nomination for Regional Chair?
Although it’s not customary for a member of Council to move his/her own nomination for the position of Regional Chair, it is not prohibited. However, that member of Council would still require another Councillor to second the nomination.
Can a member of Council move the nomination of more than one person?
Although it's not customary for a member of Council to make more than one nomination there is nothing procedurally which would prohibit a member of Council from making more than one nomination for the position of Regional Chair.
Can members of Council ask the nominees questions?
The procedure approved by Regional Council does not provide an opportunity for Councillors to publicly put questions to the nominees.
Is voting for the office of Regional Chair done by secret ballot?
Yes, the Procedural By-law requires that voting for the appointment of the Chair shall be conducted by secret vote as permitted by the Municipal Act.
Do members have to be present to vote?
How long will voting continue?
Voting will continue until one nominee receives the concurring votes of a majority of the members present.
Does the Regional Chair have to be appointed at the Inaugural Meeting?
Yes, the Municipal Act requires that the Head of Council be appointed at the first meeting of Council and stipulates that "no other business shall be conducted...until the head of council is appointed."
Have Regional Chairs been appointed in the past who were not elected in the most recent municipal election?
Yes, Mr. John Campbell served as Regional Chair from 1970 to 1985 and was never elected to Regional Council. He was initially appointed by the Ontario government in 1969 and was appointed as Regional Chair by Regional Council on six subsequent occasions. Mr. Wilbert Dick served as Regional Chair from 1985 to 1991. He was appointed as Regional Chair in 1988 by Regional Council without having been elected to Regional Council. All other Regional Chairs have been elected members of Regional Council.
Has Regional Council previously expressed the intention that only elected members of Regional Council may be appointed as Regional Chair?
Yes. On May 10, 1990, Regional Council passed resolutions which provided that only Regional Councillors elected in the most recent election and the Mayors of Wainfleet and West Lincoln should be eligible for election as Regional Chair. On July 4, 1991, Regional Council passed another resolution confirming its May 10, 1990 position. However, while those resolutions may have expressed the intentions of the Regional Council of the day, the provincial government did not pass the legislative amendments necessary to give Regional Council the authority to so limit the field of eligible candidates.
In each of 2003 and in 2006, Caucus meetings of the Advisory Committee of the Regional Council Elect passed resolutions stating "that all Regional Councillors be permitted to run for the Office of Regional Chair". However, those resolutions were never ratified at the Inaugural Council meetings in 2003 and 2006 once the Councillors had been sworn in and the Councils deemed organized in accordance with the Municipal Act. In any event, without the adoption of legislative amendments by the provincial government, Regional Council was not, and is not, in a position to change who is eligible to be appointed as Regional Chair.
Can the procedure to appoint the Regional Chair be amended at the Inaugural Meeting?
No. The Procedural By-law can only be amended with the consent of at least two-thirds of the members present at the meeting but no such amendment may be considered unless notice of the proposed amendment has been given at the previous regular Council meeting. Furthermore, the requirement to give notice shall not be waived
Is eligibility for the position of Regional Chair limited to those members of Regional Council elected in the last municipal election?
No, any person who meets the eligibility requirements outlined in the Municipal Act and the Municipal Elections Act can be nominated for the position of Chair provided the nomination is moved and seconded by elected members of Regional Council.
What is the term of office for the Regional Chair?
The Chair's term of office commences immediately on appointment and continues for the term of Council which is scheduled to expire on November 30, 2014 or until his/her successor is appointed or elected.
Can Regional Council appoint a Regional Chair for a term less than the term of office for Council?
This cannot be done at this time without the adoption of a legislative amendment by the provincial government which would authorize Regional Council to change the term of office of an appointed Head of Council so long as the new term does not extend beyond the term of Council.