Governance and Priorities Committee Decisions in Brief
From the February 13, 2017 Meeting
Decision
*The committee received the information.
Additional Information
*In June 2016, City Councuil made the following resolution: “That City Council request the Government of Saskatchewan to change The Cities Act in order to permit municipalities to adopt fully taxable remuneration for Mayors and Councillors.”
*In accordance with City Council’s instructions, the City Solicitor wrote to the Minister of Government Relations requesting the relevant legislative change. Also, the City Solicitor sent the particulars of the legislative change proposals to the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association’s legal counsel and to the City Solicitors of Regina, Moose Jaw and Prince Albert.
*The Minister responded to the City Solicitor indicating that while the practice of making one-third of a City Councillor’s remuneration tax-free has been a common practice throughout Canada, it has become a growing trend for many Canadian cities to eliminate this practice. The Minister confirmed that this provision shall be considered by the Province the next time The Cities Act is opened for amendment and that the Province will consult with SUMA and other cities at that time to determine the best course of action.
*The City is awaiting feedback from SUMA and the other cities and will report further.
8.2.3 The Code of Ethics for Members of City Council Bylaw, 2017
Decision
*The Committee recommended to City Council that Bylaw No. 9424, The Code of Ethics for Members of City Council Bylaw, 2017 be enacted.
Additional Information
*A new section of The Cities Act requires that City Council adopt a Code of Ethics by bylaw. The Cities Act Regulations provides a model Code of Ethics which is deemed to have been adopted by City Council if Council does not adopt a Code of Ethics by bylaw. The model Code of Ethics is deemed in effect after February 23, 2017.
*This report brings forward a bylaw which contains the model Code of Ethics modified to include specific references to Saskatoon for City Council’s consideration and adoption by bylaw.