Halifax mayor says strong powers would restore ‘democratic accountability’

Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore talks about strong powers, Halifax Water, and more.

Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore says a “strong powers” system – which could greatly increase his authority in the municipality – would improve accountability for city hall.

Fillmore, who said he has had informal discussions about the possible strong powers with the Nova Scotia government, told CTV News Atlantic’s Todd Battis many people are surprised to learn the mayor is not in charge of city hall, referring to the position as “really a councillor-at-large.”

“There needs to be a democratic accountability between the people who elect the mayor and the decision-making processes at city hall,” he said. “Power is concentrated with an unelected CAO (chief administrative officer). There is nobody directly accountable.

“If the voice of the people, through the mayor, is directing the CAO, we’re having a very direct line of accountability from the voter to the actions and decisions in city hall. That’s what we’re seeing Upper Canadian cities.”

Ontario allows for strong mayor powers among some municipalities. According to that province’s website, those powers can include:

• ability to appoint a CAO
• ability to hire municipal division heads
• ability to create and appoint chairs of committees
• veto power and council override

Fillmore, a former Liberal MP who won the mayoral race last fall with more than 52,000 votes, previously said he did not “fully understand the barriers” to fulfilling his mandate until he was elected.

Fillmore noted he has not formally asked the provincial government for these strong powers.

“We need to evolve quickly,” he said. “The old way of doing business at city hall is not up to the task. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the mayor being accountable.”

The concept of strong mayor powers came up at Halifax council this week when Coun. Sam Austin brought forth a motion that, if passed, would direct Fillmore to reach out to the province and ask them to consult council if it is considering implementing those powers.

“This is a very major potential change that could fundamentally impact how people are represented, how decisions are made, and the quality of advice that we get from the civil service,” Austin previously said.

Council will vote on the motion at a Thursday morning meeting.

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