Manitoba council to appeal court decision over ousted councillor
A rural Manitoba council is planning to appeal a judge's decision overturning its attempt to kick out a rookie councillor.
The legal battle between the Rural Municipality of Thompson and Coun. Donna Cox is not over yet. During a special meeting of council held on Monday afternoon, the council decided they would be returning to court.
"Based on the interpretation of the municipal act, Council is in disagreement with the outcome of the court case," reads the resolution of council, which is posted on its website.
This comes after a Manitoba judge blasted the rural municipality earlier in February, saying they 'failed miserably' to communicate or compromise, while making changes they knew would set her up to fail.
READ MORE: 'Failed miserably': Court blasts rural Manitoba council for trying to oust elected official
The council disqualified Cox in May 2023, something the province said only the court has the power to do. The RM then went to court to defend its decision, saying Cox had missed three consecutive council meetings or local urban district (LUD) committee meetings without leave.
"Critically, I have no doubt the absences were not a matter of neglect, irresponsibility, or intention to flout her obligations to attend meetings," Manitoba Court of King's Bench Justice Chris Martin said in his decision.
Martin noted council changed the meeting times, making it difficult for Cox to attend, if not, prevent her from attending altogether.
"With those changes, it should have been clear she was bound to fail," he wrote.
In his decision, Martin said Cox remains as an elected councillor.
The RM of Thompson's council is directing its lawyers to proceed with an appeal of that decision. The vote was unanimous, with the exception of Cox who abstained.
CTV News has reached out for a comment from the RM and is awaiting a response.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.