EDITORIAL: Open government isn’t just a talking point

Modern-day candidates and politicians talk a good game about transparency, open government and public consultation.

Part of our job is to make sure they aren't blowing smoke.

With new councils in place in the Regional District of Nanaimo, Parksville and Qualicum Beach, we looked up the section of B.C.'s Community Charter that relates to closed meetings. The list of circumstances in which a council can close meetings — go 'in camera' as it's called — is a long one. Too long, we'd submit. In fact, one could make an argument every piece of business a council conducts could fall into one or more of the categories that allows for in camera proceedings. Continue>>>
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