Government > Council

Speaking at a Regional Council Meeting

Any resident, group or organization can participate in the political process by speaking at a Regional Council meeting.

However, residents are encouraged to make their presentation at a standing committee. There are several benefits to speaking at a committee meeting instead of Regional Council.

The following procedures are in keeping with our Procedural By-law.

 

Speaking on Items Already on an Agenda

Residents wishing to speak at Regional Council should submit their online request no later than 9 a.m. on the Friday prior to the council meeting.

Due to the amount of business to be completed at Regional Council meetings, there is a strict ten-minute limit for presentations.

Delegations are limited to two speakers, who both must be presenting different information.

Speaking at Council after appearing at Standing Committee

Residents wanting to appear before Regional Council who have already appeared at a standing committee meeting will only be permitted to present new information.

Requests to appear at Council need to be made in writing to the Regional Clerk no later than 9 a.m. the Friday the week before the council meeting.

Written Communication on a Council Agenda

Written communication regarding a Standing Committee recommendation for inclusion in the Council agenda may be made in writing to the Regional Clerk no later than 9 a.m. the Friday the week before the council meeting.

Refusal to Speak at a Regional Council

Your request to speak could be denied for the following reasons:

  • Deals with Labour Relations
    Residents wishing to speak on labour relations and/ore union negotiations will not be heard at any council meeting. All requests on these topics must be received as signed, written submissions.

    These matters will be referred to the Chief Administrative Officer.
  • Matters Already Covered at a Public Meeting
    Residents will not be permitted to speak at council meetings to address planning matters that were considered at a public meeting (in keeping with the Planning Act).

Speaking on Items not on the Agenda

If a resident has not informed the clerk’s office that he wishes to speak on the agenda, Council may, by a majority vote, permit a person to present.

A written request must be made to the Regional Clerk by 9 a.m. on the day of the council or committee meeting to request a delegation under this section.

If the delegation request does not relate to a matter already on the agenda it must pertain to an emergent matter.


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