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Medicine Hat Council Given October Deadline to Act on Governance Report

Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams mandated publication of the 207-page inspection report, respectful workplace training, a council response to every recommendation, an October 1 deadline

A sign declaring it "The Gas City" welcomes motorists on the Trans Canada Highway in Medicine Hat, Alta., Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019.
NEWS PHOTO RYAN DAHLMAN Mayor Linnsie Clark and councillors are seen in chambers following the delivery of a municipal inspection report that includes 70 recommendations for the city moving forward.
City staff and councillors have received 70 recommendations from an independent inspection conducted by Ian McCormack of Strategic Steps Inc during a public meeting in City Hall Monday evening. -- NEWS PHOTOS RYAN DAHLMAN

Overview

  • An independent inspection by Strategic Steps Inc. identified longstanding dysfunction in Medicine Hat’s governance marked by rancour, suspicion and improper management.
  • Dan Williams issued directives requiring the public release of the 207-page report, mandatory respectful workplace training and a detailed action plan for all 70 recommendations.
  • Council members and City Manager Ann Mitchell have begun reviewing the report and preparing their response ahead of the October 1 deadline.
  • Mayor Linnsie Clark has challenged the inspection’s fairness, arguing it relies on anonymous testimonials and denied her a proper opportunity to respond.
  • All council seats are open in the October 20 municipal elections, with no incumbents registered to run as of late July.