London, Ontario city hall
In a pleasing precedent, the Supreme Court of Canada last week ruled unanimously that all Ontarians have a right to observe their municipal government do its business in public on most matters.
The decision comes as a result of a complaint about the City of London debating in closed session a bylaw to freeze development at a particular location. The lawsuit was launched by the development company that owns the land, in an attempt to get the bylaw quashed (presumably so they could go ahead with their development) — an example of private interest resulting in public good, if there ever was one. The court ruled that the right of citizens to observe city council decision-making was so important that its violation was sufficient grounds to overturn the bylaw.
While there are still a few issues where municipal councils can meet in closed session, hopefully this judgement will make all city councils think twice before they try to carry on their business without public scrutiny.
The Toronto Star not only reported the story, but also wrote an editorial about the importance of open municipal government.
photo by Steve Johnson
2 comments
“An example of private interest resulting in public good, if there ever was one.” I don’t even know where to begin. If I had the time I could probably start with something thousands of years ago and have the first million examples available before I reach insulin or penicillin.
Indeed. It’s a figure of speech.