Virtual Council Meetings May Become Permanent

The Nova Scotia Government wants the province’s towns and municipalities to continue meeting online even after the COVID-19 regulations are removed.

An amendment to the Municipal Government Act was introduced today in the House of Assembly to modernize local government operations.

The change will allow municipalities and villages to hold virtual council meetings and increase accessibility for citizens to publicly participate and view council meetings.

Minister of Municipal Affairs says, "Due to the pandemic, we recognized that virtual council meetings should be an option for municipalities and villages.” Brendan Maguire added, "Those interested in continuing this practice will be able to meet virtually after the state of emergency has been lifted.”

Amanda McDougall, acting president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities says, “Municipalities would benefit greatly from more accommodating language about virtual and in-person meetings.”

The Municipal Government Act currently does not allow virtual council meetings. Special permission was authorized during the pandemic under the Emergency Health Order.

For more info, see the Municipal Government Act at https://www.nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/municipal%20government.pdf.

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