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2010 Election

Duties and Responsibilities

 

General Duties of Councillors

Councillors have the following duties:

  1. to consider the welfare and interests of the municipality as a whole and to bring to Council’s attention anything that would promote the welfare or interests of the municipality
  2. to participate generally in developing and evaluating the policies and programs of the municipality
  3. to participate in Council meetings and Council committee meetings and meetings of other bodies to which they are appointed by the Council
  4. to obtain information about the operation or administration of the municipality from the Chief Administrative Officer or a person designated by the Chief Administrative Officer
  5. to keep in confidence matters discussed in private at a Council or Council committee meeting until discussed at a meeting held in public
  6. to perform any other duty or function imposed on Councillors by this or any other enactment or by the Council

(Section 153 Municipal Government Act)

General Duties of a Reeve (Chief Elected Official)

  1. A Chief Elected Official, in addition to performing the duties of a Councillor, must:
    1. preside when in attendance at a Council meeting unless a bylaw provides that another Councillor or other person is to preside, and
    2. perform any other duty imposed on a Chief Elected Official by this or any other enactment or bylaw.
  2. The Chief Elected Official is a member of all Council committees and all bodies to which council has the right to appoint members under this Act, unless the Council provides otherwise.
  3. Despite subsection (2), the Chief Elected Official may be a member of a board, commission, subdivision authority or development authority established under Part 17 only if the Chief Elected

Official is appointed in the Chief Elected Official’s personal name.

(Section 154 Municipal Government Act)

Council's Principal Role in Municipal Organization

  1. A Council is responsible for:
    1. developing and evaluating the policies and programs of the municipality
    2. making sure that the powers, duties and functions of the municipality are appropriately carried out
    3. carrying out the powers, duties and functions expressly given to it under this or any other enactment
  2. A Council must not exercise a power or function or perform a duty that is by this or another enactment or bylaw specifically assigned to the Chief Administrative Officer or a designated officer. 

(Section 201 Municipal Government Act)

Elected Officials' Time Commitment

The amount of time spent is left to the discretion of each member of Council; however, certain commitments must be met, including:
Council Meetings

  • Two meetings per month, as a rule on every second Tuesdays of the month,
  • One meeting is scheduled in July and August,
  • Public Hearings are held on Council meeting dates,

Council Committees

The Reeve is an ex officio member of all Council Committees established under the Municipal Government Act and has the right to attend any or all meetings and vote. The Reeve is appointed to some committees, but due to time commitments does not sit on as many committees as the rest of Council.

All Councillors are appointed to serve on some standing and external committees. Appointments are made on the basis of individuals’ interest in committees, as well as maintaining a balance in commitment of time. Committee meetings are held throughout the day and, in some cases, in the evening.
Council Orientation

Council orientation commences in the week that the new Council is declared elected and continues in the week following. The orientation provides an opportunity for newly Elected Officials to learn about their roles and responsibilities in more detail, as well as to become acquainted with fellow Elected Officials, staff, County services, operations and facilities. Newly Elected Officials will also gain an understanding of the business plan and budget process.  Elected Officials and Newly appointed Official will attend the orientation session.

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