June 11, 2015
Proposed Legislation Strengthens Accountability, Transparency at City Hall: Minister Caldwell
Proposed amendments to the City of Winnipeg Charter Act and to whistleblower protection legislation would support the City of Winnipeg’s goal to restore the public’s confidence and trust in its governance and administration, Municipal Government Minister Drew Caldwell announced today.
“The Manitoba government is committed to work with Mayor Bowman and city council to strengthen accountability and transparency at City Hall,” said Minister Caldwell. “This bill would support the efforts of the mayor and council, and would also enable the city to more effectively respond to the findings of the recent real-estate audits.”
Bill 39 would require the City of Winnipeg to implement policies and practices to ensure accountability to the public and would support transparent decision-making including:
- Requiring a municipal council code of conduct that would promote ethical behaviour by council members. The code must be reviewed every term of office.
- Requiring a land disposition policy that would be based on legislated principles to ensure decisions are made in the best interests of the city, and are open and transparent. The policy would have to include guidelines for appraisals including when appraisals would be required, the type of appraisal and timing of the appraisal.
- Requiring a tendering and procurement policy that would ensure spending decisions are objective and fair, and city resources are used in the most efficient and effective way. Currently the city has a policy even though legislation does not require one.
- Extending whistleblower protection legislation to City of Winnipeg employees. Extension of the Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act was specifically requested by the City of Winnipeg and would ensure whistleblowers are protected for disclosing perceived wrongdoings. The City of Winnipeg would become the first municipality in Canada to be included under whistleblower protection legislation.
“One of my top priorities as mayor is to ensure we make the positive changes necessary to ensure Winnipeg is one of the most transparent and accountable cities in Canada,” said Mayor Bowman. “I want to thank our provincial government partners for their continued support to help build the City Hall Winnipeggers can trust and that they deserve.”
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