The Ombudsman reviewed a closed meeting held by council for the Township of North Huron to discuss fire department personnel issues. While in closed session, council discussed a legal opinion related to the fire department personnel. After council discussed this legal advice, approximately 40 firefighters entered the closed session and, through two representatives, spoke with council about various shared concerns. These concerns included comments about identified individuals and the department’s work conditions. The Ombudsman found that the discussion fit within the personal matters exception because the conduct discussed went beyond the employees’ professional role.
Township of North Huron, January 9, 2018
Read the LetterThe Ombudsman reviewed a closed meeting held by council for the Township of North Huron to discuss fire personnel issues. This occurred during an ongoing dispute between the firefighters and the township. Approximately 40 firefighters entered the closed session and, through two representatives, spoke with council about various shared concerns. The Ombudsman found that nothing in the Municipal Act, 2001 prohibits municipal councils from inviting large groups to attend in camera discussions. However, this practice has the potential to create suspicion in the eyes of the public and may, in practice, undermine the confidentiality of the proceedings. The Ombudsman recommended, as a best practice, that council refrain from receiving delegations in closed session and instead have staff carry out these negotiations before reporting to council and seeking direction.
The Ombudsman reviewed a closed meeting held by council for the Township of North Huron to discuss fire personnel issues. This occurred during an ongoing dispute between the firefighters and the township. While in closed session, council discussed a legal opinion related to the fire department personnel. After council discussed this legal advice, approximately 40 firefighters entered the closed session and, through two representatives, spoke with council about various shared concerns. These concerns included comments about identified individuals and the department’s work environment. The Ombudsman found that the discussion fit within the labour relations or employee negotiations exception because council discussed the firefighters’ general work environment during an ongoing employment dispute.