The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is sharing the findings of an information bulletin from Integrity Commissioner and Closed Meeting Investigator Suzanne Craig regarding a virtual session held earlier this month with the Ontario Hockey League commissioner.
The bulletin was issued following questions from council members and the public about whether the session complied with open meeting requirements under the Municipal Act, 2001.
After reviewing the circumstances, the integrity commissioner concluded the session did not violate the Act or the municipality’s code of conduct.
The review found no quorum was present, as the session included the mayor and seven members of council, while quorum for council requires 10 members. It also determined no municipal business was advanced, describing the session as informational in nature, with no discussion, debate or decision-making that would move council business forward.
As a result, the gathering did not meet the legal definition of a meeting under the Act and was not subject to open meeting requirements.
The commissioner concluded there was no conduct that contravened the Municipal Act or applicable open meeting rules.
The bulletin also noted that informational or educational sessions are permitted when they do not advance business and encouraged council members to engage with community groups and stakeholders, while emphasizing best practices around openness, notice and opportunities for public participation when matters may come before council.
At the same time, the commissioner cautioned that such gatherings can risk undermining public confidence if concerns or opinions about council business are expressed.
During a March 23, 2026 council meeting, Mayor Darrin Canniff acknowledged that all members of council should have been invited to the initial virtual session and apologized for the oversight.
Canniff said the municipality is committed to ensuring broader inclusion of council members in future engagements, enhancing transparency and decision-making processes, and keeping residents informed as discussions related to the OHL continue.
The same presentation delivered during the virtual session was later shared publicly at the March 23 council meeting.
The municipality said it will continue to provide updates as discussions evolve, emphasizing its commitment to transparent and accountable governance.
