Local politicians put on mandatory leave won’t be getting paid if an upcoming motion by Coun. Shannon Stewart gains enough traction. At the upcoming June 9 council meeting, Stewart will recommend amending British Columbia’s Community Charter so it’s no longer mandatory to keep paying elected officials who are “unable to perform their duties due to mandatory leave.” However, only the Province has the authority to amend the Community Charter.
In order to persuade that level of government, Stewart’s motion – if supported by Penticton Council – will ask the Union of British Columbia Municipalities to request the B.C. Legislature to change the remuneration rules for officials on mandatory leaves of absence. Furthermore, the motion asks the Province to give municipalities more discretion “in accordance with local circumstances.” In Penticton, “local circumstances” would seemingly apply to Coun.
James Miller, who has been on mandatory leave since August 2024 as he defends himself against historical accusations of sexual offences involving minors. Miller is also on leave as the editor of this newspaper. ••• It was only four years ago when elected officials in B.C.
were required to go on mandatory paid leave for getting charged with a criminal offence. “While our hope is that mandatory leave and disqualification will not need to be exercised,” former Minister of Municipal Affairs Nathan Cullen said in 2022, “these amendments will help limit disruption, maintain public confidence and ensure local governments are able to remain focused on serving their communities.”
