Watch above: A report going to Saskatoon council Monday recommends more transparency. Amber Rockliffe explains why some officials feel it’s an issue worthy of being addressed.
SASKATOON – The City of Saskatoon’s executive committee will review a report Monday that recommends a more thorough process for deciding which items get discussed behind closed doors. Global News looks into why some members feel it’s an issue worthy of being addressed.
“Is there ways we can push more of the things that are happening in-camera into a more public agenda, so that we don’t feel like there’s secrets and we don’t feel like there’s things being hidden,” said Ward 6 Coun. Charlie Clark, who made an inquiry about the issue during a December council meeting.
Clark said some items, such as land negotiations and human resources, have to be discussed out of the public eye for legal reasons, but other items end up behind closed doors when they don’t need to be.
Council’s current in-camera agenda is confirmed out of the public eye, but the new process would change that.
“The recommendation is that a public committee would consider whether or not those matters should be on the in camera agenda,” explained City Solicitor Patricia Warwick.
READ MORE: No charges for Saskatoon Coun. Pat Lorje for leaking city document
On March 12, Ward 2 Coun. Pat Lorje found out she won’t be prosecuted for leaking a private city document – something city councillors unanimously voted to sanction her for in November 2014.
Lorje maintains the document and many others should be made available to the public.
“The transparency seems to be rather opaque at city hall right now,” said Lorje.
Monday’s meeting will also look at making the minutes of in-camera meetings available to the public at a later date, when they will no longer be detrimental to city proceedings.
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