1. November 2009 Newly Elected Workshops Pecuniary Interest

2. Newly Elected Workshops 2009 Definitions Family – spouse, parent, child Closely Connected Person – agent, business partner, family, or employer Controlling Interest – 25% of voting rights Senior Officer – Elected or appointed SUMA … the collective voice of Saskatchewan's urban municipalities

3. Newly Elected Workshops 2009 When does it apply? You, your family members, or a closely connected person: Stands to make a financial profit from a decision by council or its bodies Stands to be adversely affected by a decision of council or its bodies Has a controlling interest or is a director/senior officer of a corporation that can be financially impacted by a decision of council or its bodies SUMA … the collective voice of Saskatchewan's urban municipalities

4. Newly Elected Workshops 2009 Who is responsible? YOU ARE… SUMA … the collective voice of Saskatchewan's urban municipalities

5. Newly Elected Workshops 2009 How do you disclose? You must: Declare the interest before discussion begins Leave the meeting room during discussion and until the vote is concluded Refrain from attempts to influence the decision of other councillors SUMA … the collective voice of Saskatchewan's urban municipalities

6. Newly Elected Workshops 2009 What are the exceptions? Some exceptions include interests you, family, or connect person has as: A voter, taxpayer, or utility customer It applies to remuneration of council An employee of the province or Canada A publisher of a newspaper As a volunteer fire, ambulance or EMO officer SUMA... the collective voice of Saskatchewan's urban municipalities

7. Newly Elected Workshops 2009 What are the penalties? Judge may order: You to pay restitution of any money gained Declare your seat on council vacant Disqualify you for up to three years Order you to pay court costs SUMA... the collective voice of Saskatchewan's urban municipalities

8. Newly Elected Workshops 2009 Pecuniary vs. Perceived Conflicts of Interest Pecuniary interest is outlined in law Situations are limited to financial impact Penalties and procedures are clear Public holds elected to higher standard Not a legal conflict, but a perceived one Cousin gets a job with town Your road gets cleaned first after a snowfall SUMA … the collective voice of Saskatchewan's urban municipalities

9. Newly Elected Workshops 2009 Legislation The Municipalities Act Part VII The Cities Act Part VII SUMA... the collective voice of Saskatchewan's urban municipalities