The Municipal Act requires that all municipalities have a policy that holds the municipality accountable to the public. The Town of Shelburne Accountability and Transparency Policy outlines the measures Shelburne takes to maintain transparency.
Definitions
Accountability – The principle that the municipality will be responsible to its stakeholders for decisions made and policies implemented, as well as its actions or inactions.
Transparency – The principle that the municipality actively encourages and fosters stakeholders participation and openness in its decision making process. Additionally, transparency means the municipality's decision making process is open and clear to the public.
Policy statement
The Council of the Town of Shelburne acknowledges that it is responsible to provide good government for its stakeholders in an accountable and transparent manner by:
- Encouraging public access and participation to ensure that decision making is responsive to the needs of its constituents and receptive to their opinions
- Delivering high quality services to our citizens
- Promoting the efficient use of public resources
Accountability, transparency and openness are standards of good government and enhance the public trust. They are achieved through the municipality adopting measure ensuring, to the best of its ability, that all activities and services are undertaken utilizing a process that is open and accessible to its stakeholders. In addition, where possible, the municipality will engage its stakeholders throughout its decision making process which will be open, visible and transparent to the public.
Corporate values
To create open communication through teamwork and cooperation both at the Council level, as well through Town staff and all committee members. Within the corporation, mutual respect and the highest of integrity will be maintained by its elected officials, Town employees and members of committees within the Corporation, as well as addressing matters with the general public.
Policy requirements
The principles of accountability and transparency shall apply equally to the political process and decision making and to the administrative management of the municipality: