Update to story: ✋Britton takes stand for ‘right’–not ‘privilege’–of delegates, as Regional council passes motion which gives staff prerogative to limit delegations
Recent legislative changes are not a done deal–yet.
There is still time for delegations to speak on August 25–for or against–the proposed changes to the procedural rules which would allow the executive staff to preemptively decide (under “exceptional circumstances”) who is not a reasonable delegation and exclude them from the agenda.
These new rules were approved by council on July 21 after a debate on an amendment to the rules and split vote which was settled by the chair, as reported this week by multiple outlets.
But none of the reports this week by Niagara Based, St. Catharines Standard, and Niagara Independent made note that the new rules are only written in pencil and not ink–until next month.
The clerk has provided confirmation that the following statements are true:
- The Procedural Bylaws are not yet ratified until August 25, and will not be implemented in committees and council until after.
- Members of the public who have views about the changes (for or against) may speak in delegation at council on August 25.
- On August 25, members of council have the prerogative to not ratify at that time, and can instead send it back to committee for review, if they so wish.
