“Council for the Region of Durham breached the open meetings requirement of the Municipal Act when meeting in closed session,” wrote Bellchamber in the report. An investigator has found that two closed-door meetings held by Durham regional council — where council approved the controversial Clarington incinerator — breached provincial rules, and that “major portions” of the meetings could have been discussed in public. Roger Anderson, chair of Durham Region, said in an email he expects “staff to follow the recommendations” outlined by Bellchamber. But Bellchamber concluded that Durham council did not properly apply this provision. “From the findings, it would appear that Durham senior staff, from the Deputy Clerk on up, as well as legal counsel, require training around closed meetings,” said Gasser.

Source: thestar September 23, 2016 16:52 UTC