New policy for Nanaimo council question period ‘irregular and inappropriate’, watchdog says
NANAIMO — If Nanaimo residents want to ask a question of their elected officials at the end of a public meeting they’ll now require the approval of City staff.
On Monday night, the city clerk announced a new protocol for question period between citizens and councillors. Questions must now be submitted in writing and approved by staff before they can be asked.
Dermod Travis, executive director of non-profit political watchdog IntegrityBC, said it’s “irregular and inappropriate” for questions in a council setting to be vetted by staff.
He said it’s not uncommon for councils to have sign up lists where people list a general topic. “But there’s no requirement that the individual has to have the question pre-approved by staff or anyone else. That’s what local democracy is about.”