October 11, 2022 - The Ombudsman received a complaint about a closed meeting held by the Board of Trustees for the Grand Erie District School Board on May 30, 2022. The complaint alleged that the Board discussed new governance by-laws and policies during this in camera meeting, and, in doing so, did not comply with the Education Act’s open meeting requirements.
The Ombudsman’s review determined that legal counsel was present during this closed meeting and provided the Board with advice that was intended to be confidential. The Ombudsman concluded his review on the basis that the Board’s discussions were covered by solicitor-client privilege, and noted that our Office cannot compel the organizations we oversee to produce information that is subject to solicitor-client privilege.
Read the letter (accessible PDF)