Published 12 days ago • loading... • Updated 12 days ago

Halifax council to ask Nova Scotia for consultation on strong-mayor powers

Halifax city council voted 16-1 last week to direct Mayor Fillmore to request provincial consultation on strengthening mayoral powers.
The motion, presented by Councillor Sam Austin, arises amid ongoing debate since Mayor Fillmore's term began and Premier Houston’s interest in mayoral empowerment.
Critics including Austin and Councillor Janet Steele warned strong-mayor powers could mute council voices, while Fillmore argued the model sharpens democracy.
Fillmore received 42% of the vote—the lowest in HRM’s history—and was the sole council member to oppose the motion, explaining that he had a conflict of interest related to sending letters on behalf of the council.
The decision signals potential governance changes amid criticisms of council decisions and challenges like vehicle noise bylaws and rising municipal debt.

Insights by Ground AI

Does this summary seem wrong?

29 Articles

The Epoch Times

Lean Right

Halifax Council to Ask Nova Scotia for Consultation on Strong-Mayor Powers

Halifax’s city council has directed the mayor to ask the Nova Scotia government for consultation on whether it is considering strengthening his authority. Council voted last week in favour of the motion to make the request for collaboration in a letter to Municipal Affairs Minister John Lohr, with only Mayor Andy Fillmore voting against it. Coun. Sam Austin presented the motion and told council that a move towards strong-mayor powers would under…

12 days ago·New York, United States

Read Full Article

Global News

Lean Left

Strong-mayor powers and why some Halifax councillors are worried it could be coming - Halifax

Halifax’s city council has directed the mayor to ask the Nova Scotia government for consultation on whether it is considering strengthening his authority.

13 days ago·Toronto, Canada

Read Full Article

National Observer

Lean Left

Halifax council will ask Nova Scotia for consultation on strong-mayor powers

Halifax’s city council has directed the mayor to ask the Nova Scotia government for consultation on whether it is considering strengthening his authority.

13 days ago·Canada

Read Full Article