WHEREAS the Community Charter allows councils and boards to meet in a closed meeting to discuss acquisition and disposal of land and improvements; AND WHEREAS the financial impact on local government and rationale regarding risks of compromising a local governments negotiating and economic situation apply equally in the case of acquisition or disposal of major capital assets that do not constitute land and improvements: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities petition the Province of British Columbia to amend the Community Charter to allow a council or board to discuss the acquisition and disposal of major capital assets in a closed meeting if the council or board considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the local government.
MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY SERVICES The Ministry of Community Services Ministry feels, in principle, that the Community Charter covers the breadth of circumstances for which municipal council and regional board meetings may be closed to the public. However, the Ministry will consider changing the legislation if it can be demonstrated that an open discussion regarding the acquisition or disposal of a major capital asset could reasonably harm the interests of the government. The Ministry will consult with the Union of BC Municipalities on this issue.