City of Powell River Council has passed two readings of its council remuneration bylaw.
At the December 19 council meeting, councillors considered the bylaw, which spells out how much councillors will be paid in future, plus health and wellness benefits, child care and parental leave components.
Councillor Trina Isakson said she wanted to amend three clauses in the bylaw that stipulate council give up to 61 weeks of paid parental leave for a member of council who has given birth, and 62 weeks to the parent of a child after it is born, or for a councillor who has adopted a child. Isakson said she wanted the allocation to be 26 weeks. She said the 61 or 62 weeks was quite a lot and it could be pulled back a bit.
Mayor Ron Woznow said he did not support motions pertaining to the bylaw.
“It’s general knowledge that Powell River faces some significant financial issues,” said Woznow. “I simply cannot support this type of motion.”
Council voted in favour of the amendment.
Councillor George Doubt then said he wanted the heading in the bylaw pertaining to child care be changed to family care.
“That more correctly covers what’s in the actual wording of the agreement,” said Doubt. “The intent was family care. There are other people than children that need care who council members may be responsible for taking care of.”
The motion carried, with councillor Jim Palm opposed.
Councillor Cindy Elliott then wanted to amend a section regarding parental leave that stated a council motion is not required for approval of a maternity or parental leave. Elliott wanted to remove the word not, so that a council motion is required for approval.
“Council needs to protect its ability to make quorum and cannot predict the future ability to do that,” said Elliott.
There was no seconder for Elliott’s motion, however.
Isakson made another amendment to add a clause to the parental leave section of the bylaw that states this policy does not restrict the ability of a member of council to request a leave of absence at another time, for another reason.
“My intention for this is because the purpose of this policy is specifically focused on parental leave, but there may be other grounds in which people want to or need to take leave related to family care,” said Isakson. “There may be other compassionate grounds that council would want to approve for a request for a leave of absence if, for example, someone’s partner was terminally ill and the councillor was looking for more time to spend with them. This policy is only about parental leave, but there may be other reasons for council members to request leaves of absence.”
Palm said council should be doing everything it can to make sure those elected are in chambers to perform their duties because this council has seven members for a reason. He said it’s for voting purposes.
“When an absence occurs, it changes the outcome of those votes substantially where the vote is split,” said Palm. “Adding more leave is a step in the wrong direction.”
The amendment carried, with Palm opposed.
Isakson then attempted to add a clause, which stated parental leave, as described in three clauses of the bylaw, can only be used once per term. The motion, however, failed.
Council then considered the first reading of the bylaw as amended.
Doubt said there were significant changes being made to the council remuneration bylaw, with most taking place when the new city council is elected in October 2026.
“These all address basic human issues and basic needs,” said Doubt. “I agree with those who say we should do whatever we can to open the doors of council so people can participate without there being a particular penalty for the duties they have, which are children or family. The more we do that, the more likely we will be able to welcome a wider demographic of people to be representatives on council. That’s why I’m voting in favour of this.”
Council voted unanimously in favour of first reading.
Council then considered second reading, voting in favour.
Under the bylaw, mayor would be paid an annual remuneration of $60,600 from 2024 through 2026 and councillor remuneration would be paid $31,800. From 2027 onward, the consumer price index would be used as a guide, with a minimum increase of two per cent and a maximum increase of four per cent.
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