The B.C. government has proposed legislative amendments in response to requests of First Nations and local governments to support safe discussions while protecting confidential and culturally sensitive information.
Currently, local governments are only able to close meetings for reasons that don’t include First Nation relations. These proposed changes made to the Community Charter and the Vancouver Charter would let local governments close meetings if they are discussing culturally sensitive and confidential information provided by First Nations. One of the local governments affected includes the Town of Golden.
Mayor Ron Oszust said the changes will give them the right tools to hold closed meetings between governments and negotiations with the First Nations.
“They recognize the need to protect confidential and culturally sensitive information while maintaining transparency and accountability in our decision-making,” Oscust said. “We welcome this legislation as a meaningful step toward strengthening relationships with First Nations.”
