Council Meeting Chairing Opportunities for Councillors

Whereas the Community Charter, section 116 item 2.c, stipulates that it is the mayors responsibility to preside at council meetings when in attendance; And whereas the Community Charter, section 130, requires that councillors be prepared to fulfill the mayors role in hisher absence, including presiding over council meetings, thus making it prudent that municipalities create learning opportunities for councillors to develop their leadership skills and gain confidence in meeting protocols and procedures: Therefore be it resolved that the Province of BC be encouraged to consider an amendment of section 116 of the Community Charter to allow for councillors to periodically preside at council meetings when the mayor is in attendance for the purposes of learning, professional development, and as a practice of good government.