At their regular meeting Monday Council adopted Bylaw 463, a bylaw to establish parental leave for elected officials, after giving it second and third readings.
“Council is being proactive in removing barriers to citizens wanting to become involved in municipal politics, and working attract a more diverse range of candidates to run for office,” said Mayor Grant Creasey.
Bylaw 463 establishes a standard procedure to allow members of Council to take a parental leave of their position prior to or after the birth or adoption of a child. Members are eligible for parental leave after serving six months on Council. Parental leave taken under this bylaw shall not exceed 16 consecutive weeks, unless extensions are granted at Council’s discretion.
During parental leave, Council members will receive 55 per cent of their base monthly honorarium that they would have otherwise received.
“This Bylaw is consistent with Council’s sustainability pillar related to governance, and aligns favourably with Council’s goal to be a welcoming community to all,” said Chief Administrative Officer Matthew Goudy.
For more information on Bylaw 463, go to: http://www.lacombe.ca/home/showdocument?id=11025.
-Submitted by the City of Lacombe