2014 city council

By Angela Gemmill

The City of Greater Sudbury want to build a climate of trust with its citizens.

Last night the municipality formally adopted a model of Open Government, which improves accountability and transparency through delivery of municipal services.

Ward 5 Councillor Robert Kirwin says is an extension of what they’ve been doing already.

He says this council is already open and transparent and these changes will simply be an improvement on what they already do.

Ward Three’s Evelyn Dutrisac believes the policy will guide their decision making and help them be better Ward representatives.

She says residents should feel comfortable contacting their city councillors to discuss whatever issue is affecting them.

Over the next several months city staff will bring various reports to council detailing further actions towards specific principles.

The principals: Open Information, Open Data, Open Dialogue and Open Doors, will provide framework to deliver municipal services.

A report on the new provincial Bill 8 and accountability officers is due in May, while a possible whistle-blower policy should be ready for June.

A full report on the Open Government model for Greater Sudbury can be found here: www.agendasonline.greatersudbury.ca