Smiths Falls Politics

Transparency and accountability have always been important to me, during my previous years on Council and is the cornerstone of my campaign.

I understand the concern being raised about information that has not been released because of solicitor-client privilege. However, because I am not currently a member of Council, I do not have access to the information, legal advice or circumstances surrounding the specific matter being referenced. It would therefore be inappropriate for me to suggest that information is being improperly withheld.

It is also important to recognize that solicitor-client privilege exists for a legitimate reason. Municipalities, like individuals and businesses, are obligated by law and legislation to seek confidential legal advice. There will be circumstances where protecting that confidentiality is necessary to safeguard the interests of the taxpayers.

My understanding is also that decisions regarding privileged municipal information are not simply a matter of the CAO independently deciding what the public should or should not know. Council has an important governance role in these matters and receives legal advice to assist it in making those decisions.

That said, I strongly believe that confidentiality should never become a convenient substitute for transparency.

If elected Mayor, I would support reviewing the municipality’s practices and procedures around confidentiality and solicitor-client privilege to ensure they are being applied appropriately, consistently and only where there is a legitimate legal or public-interest reason for doing so. Where information can reasonably and legally be made public, I believe it should be.

I would also support providing residents with clearer explanations, wherever possible, when information cannot be released. Sometimes the municipality may be legally justified in withholding information, but simply saying that something is confidential without helping residents understand why can understandably create frustration and mistrust.

I cannot make a judgment about this particular situation without knowing the facts. What I can commit to is the same principle I followed during my previous service on Council and that I have carried throughout this campaign: residents deserve an open and transparent municipal government, balanced with Council’s responsibility to protect legitimate legal, privacy and taxpayer interests.

Transparency builds trust — and trust is essential to good local government.