Regular Procedures for Question Period

  1. The purpose of Question Period is to provide the public an opportunity to obtain information from and provide information to Council in an efficient and timely manner.

  2. Question period is held at the beginning of each regular Council meeting at 10:30 a.m. and lasts for a maximum of 30 minutes unless Council agrees to extend the available time.

  3. If the Chair opens Question Period and there is no person present or online that wishes to ask a question, the Chair will immediately close the Question Period and proceed with the regular meeting agenda.

  4. Any individual wishing to speak must first be recognized by the Chair and asked to take a seat at the presentation table in Council Chambers.

  5. Once recognized, the individual must state their name and division of residence before presenting their question in 3-5 minutes.

  6. Questions should be brief, clear and straight to the point in order to receive the information you are requesting.  A brief introduction may be included to put the question in context.

  7. Questions must be about one of the following:

    1. A matter of public interest that falls under the jurisdiction of the County of Newell, the County of Newell Council or a subcommittee, or a municipal/para-municipal organization.

    2. An action by a member of County of Newell Council, or a council subcommittee, to whom the question is addressed.

    3. The Council’s intentions regarding a regulatory or administrative measure of the County of Newell or any of its organizations.
  8. Questions that may not be answered may include:

    1. any matter that will be the subject of a Bylaw requiring a Public Hearing, or for which a Public Hearing has already been held, or,

    2. any matter relating to the promotion of commercial products or services which have no connection to the business of the County, or

    3. any matters subject to non-disclosure in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act or regulations.  These may include employment/personnel matters, negotiation matters, land sale/purchase negotiations, legal issues, etc.
  9. Questions must avoid personal innuendos; insinuations; and violent, hurtful or disrespectful words with respect to any person.

  10. A Council member may decline to answer a question they are asked.

  11. Debate is not permitted by anyone during Question Period.  Members of Council may ask questions for clarification.

  12. The Chair may withdraw speaking rights from anyone who asks a question outside of the bounds of the criteria listed above.

  13. If a question is not able to be answered at the meeting, the questioner may be asked to provide their contact information to Administration, so that a response may be provided at a later time.