The Union of British Columbia Municipalities is taking a pass on helping fund the Village of Pouce Coupe’s Supreme Court appeal – which looks to reverse a previous decision of the court.
UBCM spokesperson Paul Taylor confirmed the matter last week – noting the village was sent correspondence noting UBCM would not be helping with the appeal.
The Village is appealing a decision from Justice Fitzpatrick that ruled the Village had not applied procedural fairness in reassigning council portfolios away from Mayor Lorraine Michetti.
“The UBCM Executive considered this request at its meeting and adopted a motion that UBCM not approve financial support for this Appeal,” wrote UBCM Executive Director Gary MacIsaac in a September 12/22 letter provided to the Mirror by the UBCM on Tuesday.
“UBCM has been a strong advocate for ensuring procedural fairness is followed in all Code of Conduct investigations. In fact, within the past year UBCM has developed a guide on enforcing Codes of Conduct that emphasized the importance of adhering to procedural fairness.”
“I would ask that you share this response with the Mayor and Council of Pouce Coupe in a timely manner. We have received a number of enquiries about the status of this request for financial support,” wrote MacIsaac.
In July, the village filed their factum in support of an appeal of a second Supreme Court decision favoring Michetti, after council removed the mayor's portfolio positions in October of 2021. Village officials confirmed in July to the Mirror they would be seeking financial support from the UBCM.
Taylor added previously whenever the organization receives such a request there is a process for consideration that involves a legal opinion and recommendation to UBCM Executive – and that the matter was under consideration by UBCM legal advisors.
