Amendments being introduced today, April 14, to the Municipal Government Act allow villages to discuss confidential and personnel matters in private, much the same as municipal councils can.
The Association of Nova Scotia Villages requested the change.
“We are giving villages the same rights as municipal councils to go in-camera when discussing certain issues,” said Municipal Affairs Minister Mark Furey. “Some situations and circumstances, such as negotiations or personnel and legal issues, require private discussions.”
The change addresses a gap in the act for villages’ responsibilities and authority about disclosing information under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and protection of privacy rules in the Municipal Government Act.
The amendments are supported by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Review Office.
Other amendments allow village commissions to have standing and special committees, which could have similar closed sessions.
Source: Release