Proposed changes to bylaws in the RM of Armstrong raising concerns
Proposed changes to two bylaws in the RM of Armstrong are raising concerns, with fears it could have 'detrimental effects' to leaders of rural municipalities in Manitoba.
The rural municipality, which is in Manitoba's Interlake-Eastern region, is in the process of updating its organizational and procedures bylaws.
Armstrong Reeve Susan Smerchanski, who spoke with CTV News as an individual and not on behalf of the council or the RM, has some concerns with the proposed changes.
"It is my personal opinion that Bylaw 7-2021 could significantly change the role of the head of council, who was democratically elected by the residents and ratepayers of the RM of Armstrong," she said in prepared statement.
Among the changes, the draft bylaws seek to allow council to annually appoint one of its members to serve as the official spokesperson for the council, and to appoint a member to serve as chair of meetings.
These are two duties traditionally held by the head of council – either a reeve or mayor.
"This bylaw could be implemented anywhere with detrimental results and effects to any heads of council," she said.
The RM of Armstrong
Armstrong's draft bylaws passed the first reading of council on July 13. They are set to go through the second and third readings during the council meeting on Aug. 10.
In an email to CTV News, Armstrong CAO Corlie Larsen said the council hired a consultant to draft the updated bylaws.
Larsen said the purpose of the update is "To be similar with other municipalities to deal with current needs, make the bylaws easier to follow, and adding more details to leave less to interpretation."
CONSULTANT SAYS CHANGES MAY HAVE MERIT TO RM COUNCILS
Ernie Epp, a partner at Way to Go Consulting, confirmed he was hired by the RM of Armstrong as a consultant on the bylaws.
He said there may be some merit in allowing council the flexibility to appoint a spokesperson and chair, which may or may not be the head of council.
"If we've got somebody on council who is a councillor but is really, really good at being a chair, then maybe that's a reason to do it," he said.
On the other hand, he said the changes allow the council to appoint a new spokesperson or chair if the head of council is not performing the duties professionally.
"So this is a way to help that person recognize that the majority of council doesn't have to put up with this," he said.
"Whatever the reason may be, those are options depending on circumstances."
Epp said he has seen some misconceptions about the powers and responsibilities that heads of council hold.
"In Manitoba, the extra powers that a head of council has are extremely limited."
He said reeves and mayors can call meetings, declare an emergency if there is not time for council to meet, and have signing authorities for the municipality.
ST. ANDREWS MAYOR SUSPECTS 'DOMINO EFFECT' ACROSS MANITOBA
The proposed changes in Armstrong have the mayor of a neighbouring rural municipality concerned.
St. Andrews Mayor Joy Sul said Armstrong's draft bylaws are nearly identical to those passed in her rural municipality more than a year ago.
Epp, who served as interim CAO for a time in St. Andrews, confirmed he used the bylaws in St. Andrews as a model for the proposed changes in Armstrong based on what council was asking for.
As CTV News previously reported in December 2019, shortly after introducing new bylaws, St. Andrews councillors voted to remove the mayor as chair and spokesperson of the community.
At the time, Sul said the move was unprecedented. Now she believes it could happen again in the RM of Armstrong.
"It's very disturbing," she told CTV News.
"This has eliminated any reasons for a mayor ballot, just vote in five or seven councillors and flip a coin to see who the leader will be – resident voices don't count."
Sul said she believes other Manitoba rural municipalities may look to implement similar bylaws.
"Who's next?" she said. "I suspect this will be a domino effect across the province."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.