Nova Scotia residents are no longer allowed to lodge complaints about their municipal elected officials, a decision criticized as “dangerously undemocratic” by an advocate. The province recently amended the municipal code of conduct following input from municipalities. The key change restricts complaints to be filed only by a council member in the same municipality as the subject of the complaint.
Pam Mood, who serves as the president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities and the mayor of the Town of Yarmouth, highlighted that several municipalities experienced a surge in complaints since the implementation of the provincewide code last year. She emphasized the necessity for a clear definition of frivolous or vexatious complaints to ensure consistency among independent investigators handling municipal complaints.
Mood expressed support for the temporary removal of public complaints, acknowledging the need for a pause to reassess the situation and ensure the code’s intended use. She emphasized the importance of upholding the code as intended, citing instances where complaints could stem from personal grievances or disagreements over a councilor’s actions.
The amendments to the code also prohibit council members from submitting complaints on behalf of others and allow investigators to consolidate similar complaints for a unified investigation. These changes come in the wake of complaints against Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore for allegedly making misleading statements about a chief administrative officer.
Critics, including Peter Linfield, who filed a complaint against Mayor Fillmore, have raised concerns about limiting public accountability by suspending the ability to file complaints while evaluating issues of frivolous complaints. Duff Conacher of Democracy Watch criticized the move as “dangerously undemocratic and unethical,” advocating for an independent provincial office to handle municipal complaints.
Municipal Affairs Minister John Lohr defended the changes, stating that the government is continuously learning from the process and working towards improvement. While he did not commit to reinstating public complaints, he assured collaboration with the municipal federation to enhance the code of conduct. Mood echoed the urgency of this collaborative effort to be undertaken promptly.
Despite the restriction on public complaints, citizens are reminded of their ability to hold council members accountable through the electoral process, as highlighted by a municipal affairs spokesperson. The ongoing dialogue aims to navigate the complexities of municipal governance and accountability effectively.
