Minister of Municipal Affairs Will Not Conduct Inspection

Dan Williams, ECA, Minister of  Municipal Affairs met with MD of Taber Reeve Tamara Miyanaga and Council members on May 28, and followed that meeting up with a letter.

Minister Williams thanked Reeve Miyanaga and Council for the meeting and stated that while he “appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from council and administration regarding the concerns that led to the request,” he “determined that a municipal inspection is not the appropriate tool in these circumstances,” and he “will not be ordering an inspection.”

“Municipal inspections are an extraordinary measure that are generally reserved for situations involving significant concerns related to municipal governance, administration, finances, or legislative compliance,” Williams continued in the letter. “While I recognize the challenges associated with the matters that led to the inspection request, I am encouraged by the discussion that took place during our meeting and optimistic that council and administration are working collaboratively to address these matters through local decision-making processes. Municipal Affairs remains available to support municipalities through a variety of governance and capacity-building resources. These supports include council collaboration and facilitation services, elected official training opportunities, governance resources, and other tools that can assist councils in addressing complex issues and supporting effective local governance.”

When asked for comment, Reeve Miyanaga confirmed and responded, “Minister Williams reviewed the MDT Council motion to initiate a municipal inspection and met with Council and administration on May 28. After thorough discussion, Minister Williams determined the concerns leading to the motion did not meet the threshold of an inspection. The Minister’s July 30 letter formalized his decision. Council is committed to serving residents openly and transparently, while adhering to policies and bylaws, directed by the Municipal Government Act, within the confines of a challenging budget.”

Those interested in participating in discussions with council or learning more are invited to submit a delegation request, review meeting agendas and minutes online, and attend council meetings. Meeting times and documents are posted on the MD of Taber website.