Policy C01-031 - Leaves of Absence for Members of City Council

Leaves of Absence for City Council Members can includes maternity leaves, parental leaves, and medical leaves. The purpose of the policy is to provide supports for members of Council during a leave to ensure the public continues to be represented. The policy outlines authorised leaves of absence, communications with constituency, definitions for each leave, procedures, management of duties, reimbursements etc.

The Cities Act restricts the number of consecutive meetings from which a Member of Council can be absent, unless the absence is authorized by a resolution of Council or a leave of absence policy is adopted by Council. The City wishes to encourage and promote diversity and inclusion on Council and encourage the well-being of its employees and Members of Council. To achieve these goals, this policy is intended to allow for leaves of absence by Members of Council in situations defined by this policy without authorization by resolution of Council.