Regina city council had an interesting debate at their last meeting on whether councillors should sit or stand during debates and presentations during monthly meetings.
Councillor Andrew Stevens put forward the motion, with support from Councillor Bob Hawkins, arguing the bylaw is outdated and should be changed to allow for seated discussion.
When Stevens rose from his seat to propose the motion, part of him was hoping it would have been for the last time.
Councillors began debating the topic at hand; surely not many people expected it would spark a lengthy debate. Even Stevens said he was surprised his motion received so much attention.
“It really wasn’t my intention to talk about for 15 to 20 minutes,” he explained. “I figured the protocol of standing seemed very outdated, we don’t use it in committee meetings.”
He said city council runs similarly like publicly elected boards, adding how he’s never had to stand during those types of meetings.
However the majority of council felt differently about the motion. Some said it’s a respectful way to address everyone and it doesn’t create confusion as to who is speaking in the hall; others felt it was proper to follow tradition; and there was the odd time a councillor made a joke with their statement.
Stevens said he’s okay with people poking some fun at the debate.
“Having a laugh, having as bit of fun can really clear the air. We handled some serious issues, but I think whenever we can have a bit of fun, that’s great.”
However, after 15 to 20 minutes of debating, the motion was defeated 8-3.
