Annapolis Royal, N.S., council votes to end livestreamed meetings

The Annapolis Royal, N.S., council is ending livestreamed meetings.

The Town of Annapolis Royal, N.S., has decided to end video livestreams of council meetings, incurring a legal warning from the Canadian Constitution Foundation in the process.

At its April 15 meeting, Annapolis Royal’s council passed a motion to repeal its policy to livestream meetings, replacing them with audio recordings.

A report on livestreaming submitted to council noted video recordings can discourage residents from speaking freely, particularly newcomers, youths, survivors of domestic violence and people discussing sensitive topics.

“Video snippets taken out of context can be easily edited, shared, and weaponized on social media,” the report reads. “Remarks may be misrepresented, mocked, or used for harassment, particularly in polarized environments.

“Written minutes provide a neutral record. Transparency does not require video. Agendas, detailed minutes, staff reports, community engagement sessions already allow residents to understand decisions and hold council accountable.”

Coun. Heather Sadkowski said livestream meetings can amplify harassment and abuse for councillors, particularly women. The current Annapolis Royal council, elected in 2024, is comprised entirely of women.

“Female politicians are not treated the same as male politicians,” said Mayor Amery Boyer. “Women in general are not treated the same way. Young people are not certainly not. And we have young people and we have women.”

Boyer said she has never been the target of harassment during her six years on council, nor have any councillors reported their own experiences to her.

Annapolis County resident Brenda Potter said governments of all levels need to be open with their constituents.

“I think anyone that has a role in government -- especially municipal, small town, rural government -- has a responsibility to be transparent,” Potter said. “And I think that we deserve to see what’s happening and know firsthand what’s happening.”

“I think it’s fantastic that we have an all female council,” said business owner Alanna Hulko. “I think it’s remarkable for a town of this size. It’s incredible. But I also think that making an exception because of that isn’t necessarily in the public interest.

“I feel that with an aging populace in the town, they are potentially shutting people out from having a voice on those meetings and being able to actually see what’s happening as those meetings transpire.”

The report claimed six previous council videos got a total of 250 views.

In a news release, the Canadian Constitution Foundation said it sent a legal warning to Annapolis Royal over the livestreaming decision, saying it is a violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

“This decision is an unjustified attempt to limit public discourse and potential scrutiny of local government and to limit access to information,” said Alexander Surgenor, counsel with the foundation, in the release.

“While the motion’s aims are ostensibly noble, concerns about ‘safety’ and harassment can be addressed with measures that already exist. Intimidation and harassment are already criminal offences under the Criminal Code of Canada.”

The foundation said it will consider litigation if council does not reverse its decision by its next meeting on May 8.

With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Callum Smith

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