DIDSBURY - Town council has approved changes to the municipality’s proclamation policy as part of a red tape reduction initiative.
The move came by way of motion during a regularly scheduled council meeting.
The policy was recently reviewed by the policy and governance committee, with recommendations made for possible amendments.
Where the policy previous stated that, “The Town of Didsbury will provide guidelines for handling proclamation requests, the updated policy states, “Council shall not make or authorize a formal endorsement or proclamation for any event, day, message, interest, cause or activity, not specifically related to town-sponsored, municipal purposes or operations, regardless of the merit of such.”
The updated policy purpose states that the policy is “intended to guide council and administration in dealing with requests for proclamations. The making of such proclamations regarding non-town matters is not within the legislative prerogative or purpose of the town, regardless of how worth such matters may be in and of themselves.”
Any requests for a proclamation will now be directed to the chief administrative officer or designate.
As part of the ongoing work to reduce red tape, the committee also recently recommended that the committee roles and responsibilities policy COUN 002 be rescinded.
With the passing of the committees bylaw 2010-11 the other policy is no longer needed, the town's chief administrative officer, Ethan Gorner, told council.
Council passed a motion rescinding policy COUN 002.
Suicide prevention hotline supported
Meanwhile, council passed a motion in support a national effort underway to create a three-digit suicide prevention hotline in Canada.
The motion reads: “Didsbury council recognizes that it is a significant and important initiative to ensure critical barriers are removed to those in a crisis and seeking help.
“Didsbury council endorses this 988 crisis line initiative, and that staff be directed to send a letter indicating such support to the local MP, MLA, federal minister of health, and CRTC and local area municipalities to indicate our support.”
