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
International students will be allowed to work 24 hours a week starting in September
Immigration Minister Marc Miller says international students will be able to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week starting in September.
Toronto police arrest 12 people, lay 102 charges in major credit card fraud scheme
Toronto police say 12 people are facing a combined 102 charges in connection with an investigation into a major credit fraud scheme.
B.C. premier says Vancouver speech praising Hamas attack was 'most hateful' he can imagine
B.C. Premier David Eby has joined other politicians denouncing remarks at a demonstration in Vancouver where protesters chanted “long live Oct. 7,” praising that day's attacks by Hamas on Israel.
MPs targeted by Chinese hackers question why Canada didn't tell them
Members of Parliament are questioning why Canadian security officials did not inform them that they had been the target of Beijing-linked hackers, after learning from the FBI that the international parliamentary alliance they are a part of was in the crosshairs of the Chinese cyberattack in 2021.
Norovirus spreading at 'higher frequency' than expected in Canada
Norovirus is spreading at a 'higher frequency' than expected in Canada, specifically, in Ontario and Alberta, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Less alcohol, or none at all, is one path to better health
Moderate drinking was once thought to have benefits for the heart, but better research methods have thrown cold water on that.
In a world first, king-size cigarettes in Canada must feature one of these warnings starting Tuesday
Tobacco manufacturers have until Tuesday to ensure every king-size cigarette produced for sale in Canada has a health warning printed directly on it.
WATCH So you haven't filed your taxes yet…
The clock is ticking ahead of the deadline to file a 2023 income tax return. A personal finance expert explains why you should get them done -- even if you owe more than you can pay.
Anne Hathaway reveals she's now five years sober
Anne Hathaway first shared she lost interest in drinking after a bad hangover in 2018. She’s now five years sober.