Whereas the Jury Act disqualifies Members of the Legislative Assembly and Members of Parliament from jury duty, but does not include local government elected officials; And whereas local government elected officials actively lobby for legislative amendments, oversee their RCMP Detachment work plans and are privy to sensitive information that could create a real or perceived conflict of interest if required to participate on a jury in their local government: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM be asked to lobby the provincial government to amend the Jury Act to disqualify local government elected officials from jury duty.
Attorney General and Minister responsible for Housing Government recognizes the many important and active roles local government elected officials play in service to their local communities. The Ministry is open to feedback and suggestions to improve the Jury Act. Ministry staff will undertake research, analysis, and consultation to determine the feasibility and benefits of amending the Jury Act to disqualify local government elected officials from jury duty.