The District of North Saanich is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and professional workplace for employees and for everyone participating in the local government process.
Over the past several months, Council meetings have included recurring instances of concerning conduct affecting District staff, including comments made about or directed toward individual employees who do not have an equivalent opportunity to respond in the same public forum, inflammatory remarks, raised voices, aggressive behaviour, and ongoing comments and noise from the gallery that distract staff from their responsibilities during meetings. At times, these behaviours have also made it challenging to maintain appropriate decorum in Council Chambers. Collectively, this ongoing conduct has contributed to an increasingly difficult and disruptive environment for staff attending meetings in person.
As a temporary measure, all District staff will participate in upcoming Council meetings virtually and will not attend in person in Council Chambers. Staff will continue to participate fully, provide information and advice to Council, respond to questions, and support the administration of meetings through the District’s virtual meeting platform. This arrangement will remain in place until further notice.
Council Chambers is both a workplace and a place where important District business is conducted. Residents are welcome to attend meetings, ask questions, provide feedback, and express disagreement with decisions of Council. However, personal attacks, intimidation, aggressive behaviour, raised voices, or other conduct that disrupts proceedings or interferes with staff carrying out their responsibilities is not appropriate. Respectful workplace signage outside Council Chambers outlines these expectations.
This temporary measure is intended to support employee safety and well-being while ensuring staff can continue to fully support Council and the conduct of District business.
Council meetings will continue as scheduled and will remain open to the public.
The District appreciates the many residents who participate respectfully and constructively in Council meetings and contribute positively to the local government process.