The province's ombudsman notes fewer complaints received in 2019 compared to previous years but said there was still confusion about what the rules are.(Sask Ombudsman)

By Nigel Maxwell

codes of conduct

Ombudsman report claims R.M. councillors not following the rules

Apr 28, 2020 | 5:00 PM

The elected councils for Saskatchewan rural municipalities (R.M.) have received their annual report card from the province’s watchdog and are being told there is room for improvement. The RMs however don’t see conflict of interest regulations in the same light.

The Provincial Ombudsman’s 2019 report cites a number of complaints related to insufficient time provided for public notice, and allegations of member misconduct. Mary McFadyen also noted conflict of interest issues.

“We find generally this year that the number of complaints we have received concerning conflict of interest by council members was down, which we thought was a positive thing. However we do find that there is still some confusion about what the rules are and what council members have to do,” she said.

Since 2015, the ombudsman holds jurisdiction over municipal governments and is largely responsible for supervising how councils carry out their legislative powers, and if they are doing so according to law, and in a fair and reasonable manner.

A resolution passed at the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) midyear convention last November, was used as an example by McFadyen, to illustrate the disconnect between her office and the elected R.M. council members. The resolution, which passed with an 87 per cent majority, stated the Ombudsman appeared to adopt a ‘grey area’ concept of a conflict of interest, and calls on the province to step in and force the Ombudsman to adhere to the definition of conflict of interest as it appears in the Municipalities Act. McFadyen refutes the claim.

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“Our goal is to improve how government organizations carry out their role under legislation and that they do it a fair and reasonable manner,” McFadyen said.

She added the SARM resolution makes it clear there needs to be improved communication between her office and R.M. councils.

SARM President Ray Orb acknowledged the issue is not a new one and explained it was brought up at a number of conventions.

“I think it speaks to the fact that we need to have more consultation,” he said.

The changes that took effect in 2005 include a declaration of conflict as well as filling out a form where the person declares their assets and whether or not they own a holding company.

“I think perhaps you’ll always get some council members that are not exactly sure of what they need to do,” Orb said, adding he respects the feedback of the Ombudsman and promises to work harder this year consulting with the elected councils.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell