Thompson introduces community-empowerment bill

DENISE RIDEOUT

Manitok Thompson, the minister of community government and transportation, introduced legislation last week that could give hamlet councils a greater say in their financial affairs, the delivery of services and the creation of new bylaws.

The Hamlets Act, which sets out rules for how hamlets run their affairs, underwent a major review last fall and the proposed amendments received second reading in the legislature on Nov. 29.

“We need to offer the communities an efficient system of municipal government. Communities will have the authority to take greater charge of their affairs and work to achieve their specific priorities,” Thompson said.

“The change is proposed by the communities after extensive consultations to these acts and will give the hamlet the authority to move towards a greater level of self reliance.”

The amendments must be reviewed by the assembly’s committee on government operations before they can become law.

During last year’s review of the act, a steering committee made up of mayors, senior administrative officers and government bureaucrats offered suggestions on how to fix the outdated municipal laws.

In particular, they wanted the duties of mayors and councillors to be more defined so residents would know what they should expect from their elected representatives.

The amended bill reads: “A council is responsible for developing and evaluating the plans, policies and programs of the municipal corporation; and making sure that the powers, duties and functions of the municipal corporation are appropriately carried out.”

If the bill is approved, hamlets will have more say in the length of their terms of office. For example, hamlets could pass a bylaw to increase the mayor’s term from two to three years, and increase the council members term to three years.

While most of the amendments give municipalities more flexibility, one clause is stricter on hamlets. It would require hamlets to make their financial documents and records available to the public.

If a municipality is having difficulty managing its finances or operations, or if hamlet council has failed to perform its duties, the minister can appoint someone to supervise the municipality.

The legislative assembly is also reviewing the Cities, Towns and Villages Act, which governs the running of Iqaluit, Nunavut’s only city.