The Integrity Commissioner for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent (CK) says a recent OHL meeting that excluded half of council didn't break any rules.
Integrity Commissioner and Closed Meeting Investigator Suzanne Craig looked into complaints about the March virtual information session and confirmed there was no violation of the Municipal Act, the Open Meeting Rules, or the Municipal Code of Conduct.
Craig noted the information session complied with the rules because it was not considered an official council meeting due to a lack of quorum, no decisions were made, and no municipal business was advanced.
She said informational or educational sessions are permitted under the Act when they do not advance business. Councillors are also encouraged to engage with community groups and stakeholders, though best practices call for openness, notice, and opportunities for public participation when topics may come before Council.
The Integrity Commissioner also cautioned that such gatherings run the risk of undermining public confidence and causing suspicion.
