Farkas Proposes Transparency Reforms for City Council Discussions

Mayoral candidate Jeromy Farkas has unveiled a series of proposals aimed at increasing transparency within Calgary’s city council discussions. Addressing the media on October 12, 2023, Farkas emphasized the need for reforms to the council’s practice of holding discussions behind closed doors, known as “in-camera” sessions. As a former Ward 11 councillor and a two-time candidate for mayor, he seeks to ensure that Calgarians have greater visibility into the decision-making processes that affect their lives.

Farkas stated, “Reforming council confidentiality is really essential to rebuild trust, strengthen accountability and ensure Calgarians can see their leaders are making choices in the light of day and not behind closed doors.” He believes that if residents cannot observe how decisions are made, they are unable to hold their elected officials accountable.

To address these concerns, Farkas has proposed several key initiatives. One of his suggestions is the implementation of a lobbyist registry for all council meetings involving special interest groups. He also advocates for a new requirement that would mandate the recording of votes and the rationale for entering closed sessions. Furthermore, he aims to establish a “sunset clause” that would ensure confidential matters are eventually disclosed to the public.

In addition to these measures, Farkas wants to introduce a challenge mechanism that would allow citizens to request a review when they believe that private meetings were conducted improperly. Under existing provincial legislation, city councils in Alberta are permitted to hold in-camera discussions on matters such as personnel issues, land transactions, and intergovernmental relations.

If elected mayor in the upcoming election on November 7, 2023, Farkas plans to publish annual reports detailing the use of in-camera sessions. He proposes that council limit private meetings by adopting a “narrow interpretation” policy, allowing only the legally sensitive portions of discussions to be held in private. Additionally, he intends to open the in-camera chamber for public tours, a move he believes would reinforce the idea that city hall is a space for all Calgarians. “There’s been a lot said about the so-called chamber of secrets,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of transparency.

While acknowledging that confidentiality is sometimes necessary, Farkas expressed concern that council’s justifications for in-camera meetings are frequently “stretched” to avoid politically challenging discussions. He cited a recent instance where council approved a 36 percent salary increase for the city’s chief administrative officer, David Duckworth, during a closed session following Duckworth’s annual performance review.

Farkas’s proposals aim to foster a more open and accountable city council, ensuring that the public has the opportunity to engage with and understand the decisions made on their behalf. As the election approaches, his focus on transparency could resonate with voters looking for greater accountability from their elected officials.