Can Metis settlement councils meet in private over land allocations? What other matters can councils discuss in private?
• Yes. Section 37(1) of the MSA authorizes a settlement council to vote to go into committee of the whole or part and while in committee to exclude persons who are not members of the committee from the meeting. • The MSA doesn’t indicate the matters that may be discussed in private so section 18 of the FOIP Regulation would apply. That section sets out the subject matter that may be considered in the absence of the public and includes: the security of property of the settlement; personal information of an individual; a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of property; labour relations or employee negotiations; or a law enforcement matter, litigation or potential litigation. • Resolutions and bylaws arising from the matters discussed must be voted upon in the public portion of the meeting.
