Winnipeg, MB - City Council today approved a motion tabled by Mayor Sam Katz amending how members of Executive Policy Committee (EPC) are appointed, commencing in November 2014.
“The Executive Policy Committee (EPC) model used today has been in use since 1992 and the concept has not been changed since. I believe the time has come to update the model,” said Mayor Katz. “Changing how EPC is formed will allow Council members to participate directly in the composition of EPC, creating a good balance of appointments.”
Mayor Sam Katz tabled a Council motion requesting the Province of Manitoba to amend the City of Winnipeg Charter to allow three members of EPC to be appointed by Council. If the Charter is amended, this will be the first time in more than 20 years that any members will be appointed to EPC by their colleagues on Council.
Traditionally, Executive Policy Committee has been consisted of Council members who have been appointed by the Mayor, comprised primarily of the chairpersons of the five Standing Policy Committees of Council. EPC consists of the Mayor, and six members of Council as defined in the City of Winnipeg Charter, enacted by the Province of Manitoba.
The amendments to Executive Policy Committee will help enhance transparency regarding major policy decisions and to implement further checks and balances in the Council model.
The motion was seconded by Councillor Thomas Steen (Elmwood-East Kildonan).