Calgary councillor seeks provincial probe into closed-door meetings after document leak
It comes after Calgary city council voted to write a letter to the province asking for an investigation into the leak of confidential budget documents.
Ward 14 Calgary councillor Landon Johnston is calling for a provincial investigation into the city's use of closed-door meetings and confidentiality provisions following a document leak. Johnston, who admitted to leaking confidential preliminary budget documents, has written a letter to Alberta's municipal affairs minister requesting a review of council's use of closed meetings and amendments to the Municipal Government Act to clarify limits on discussing "municipal financial and policy" behind closed doors.
Johnston argues that the situation has exposed a need for stronger processes, stating that the results of his investigation would benefit all taxpayers and Calgarians. Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas welcomed Johnston's support for "provincial reforms" he has long advocated for, including clearer confidentiality rules. The budget document leak led to a special council meeting where legal advice was sought, and council voted to send a letter to the municipal affairs minister and the provincial privacy commissioner about the leak.
Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams has received Johnston's letter and is awaiting another one from Calgary City Council, promising to review both and determine if further action is required.
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