Your City Hall Is Doing a Lot Behind Closed Doors

So, City Hall had a few interesting days last week, and I’m not just talking about the spring thaw that finally feels like it’s here to stay. On May 6, your City Council spent a good chunk of its non-regular meeting in private, as per motions moved by Councillors K. Tang and T. Parmar. Specifically, Council voted 12 to 0 to go into private session, citing sections 20, 26, and 29 of the *Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act* – that’s stuff like personal privacy, intergovernmental relations, and official advice.

Honestly though, it seems like a trend. Another motion, moved by Councillor A. Paquette, kept a verbal report from the Office of the City Manager (OCM03407) private for similar reasons, with a full 13-0 vote. While some discussions need to happen out of the public eye, it always warrants a closer look when this many items are kept under wraps. It’s part of the democratic process, I suppose, but it does make you wonder what’s cooking.

What to watch for:

* **Future Private Sessions:** Will this become a more frequent occurrence?

* **Outcome of Discussions:** What decisions will eventually emerge from these closed-door meetings?

* **Transparency:** How will City Council balance necessary privacy with public accountability?

Edmonton doesn't need your approval. Never did.

Darren Fedoruk (@deepnorth_yeg)

The morning crew at MiTL dives into this kind of stuff every day – check it out live at mornings.live.