Can municipal councils continue to meet in camera, that is, in the absence of the public?
• On October 1, 1999, section 197(2) of the MGA was repealed, and replaced with the following, “Councils and council committees may close all or part of their meetings to the public if a matter to be discussed is within one of the exceptions to disclosure in Division 2 of Part 1 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.” • Councils and their committees can make a motion to go in camera when the substance of their deliberations relate to the matters covered by the exceptions to disclosure in the FOIP Act, sections 16 to 29. For example, a discussion regarding the employment of an individual should be held in camera to protect the privacy of that individual. • There is no requirement to take notes or minutes during in camera sessions. If notes have been prepared, they may be requested as part of a FOIP request. The municipality has the discretion to refuse to disclose these notes under section 23 of the FOIP Act, local public body confidences. • The council minutes sho
