After a months-long delay, the mayor’s meeting calendar is once again up-to-date.
The calendar details all the people and organizations the mayor meets outside of the regular official council meetings.
Traditionally, the schedules have been posted for the public to see every month, but starting Fall 2019, the calendar was not being updated.
However, after a request for comment from The Chief, staff updated the mayor’s schedules at the beginning of March.
Staff blamed a clerical error for the months-late update.
“The Mayor’s Office initiated the public posting of this calendar in recognition that the calendar contributes to openness and transparency within the mayor’s office, and we are committed to ensuring that the meetings continue to get posted,” reads an emailed statement from spokesperson Christina Moore.
“There is no intention to keep this information from the public, and more rigid processes are being put into place to ensure the calendar gets posted monthly.”
The Ministry of Citizen Services told The Chief that the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA) does not require mayors to post their calendars online.
“FOIPPA sets out the access and privacy rights of British Columbians as they relate to public sector entities, including municipalities,” reads an emailed statement from the Ministry.
“Public records under the custody of local governments can be requested through Freedom of Information subject to the exemptions and other requirements contained in the Act.”
The public can see who the mayor is meeting here.
