B.C. ombudsperson: Open meetings in municipal governments ‘not optional’

British Columbia’s ombudsperson has released a draft of his updated guide to open meetings at municipal governments, saying that such meetings are “not optional” and are legally required to ensure public trust and democratic process.

The office of Jay Chalke says feedback is now open on the updated open meetings guide, and those with comments have until Oct. 31 to voice their concerns.

In the draft, Chalke says open meetings are a “legal requirement fundamental to public trust and democracy,” adding that the province may need to play a “stronger role” in making sure municipalities comply in cases where local government ignore or resist recommendations from oversight bodies.

Chalke says the guide on open meetings is not meant to address the problem of integrity and ethics commissioners l