OMBUD 2016

The Ombudsman investigated a complaint that the council for the Municipality of St.-Charles held closed meetings on three dates to discuss audit reports and management letters.

The Ombudsman found that the council contravened the Municipal Act by discussing the auditors' findings and recommendations in closed session, as these did not fit within any exceptions to the open meeting rules.

However, subsequent discussions regarding individual staff performance and conduct fell within the exceptions for personal matters and labour relations.

The Ombudsman investigated complaints regarding two closed meetings held by the Township of Russell council on August 10, 2015.

The investigation found that an afternoon closed session for strategic planning training fell within the Municipal Act's exception for education or training.

An evening closed session regarding a tax reimbursement matter properly fell within the exception for personal matters about an identifiable individual.

However, the council contravened the Municipal Act by discussing three other matters in closed session—a list of potential heritage properties, a business plan for water and sewage services, and a community benefit fund agreement—as these did not fit within any statutory exceptions to the open meeting requirements.

The Ombudsman recommended that the council ensure future closed sessions clearly fall within statutory exceptions and amend its procedure by-law to accurately reflect the Municipal Act.