That rather than implementing a public engagement plan, Council appoint a four-person panel to consider the CASE submission and present their commentary to Council on the key questions outlined in the above cited Decision Note as well as the additional matter outlined below (later referenced in an additional Decision Note in today's agenda) and to determine next steps:
- Enfranchisement:
- Resolve to allow permanent residents to vote if and when the province has made the necessary legislative changes.
- Lobby the Provincial Government to amend the necessary legislation to grant permanent residents the right to vote in municipal elections.
Further that the Panel consider the following item raised by Councillor Hickman:
The following four individuals are proposed to comprise the Panel and they provide a comprehensive cross section of expertise in the academic, administrative and political areas:
- Ross Reid: former Canadian politician who most recently served as the Chief of Staff to Newfoundland and Labrador Premiers Kathy Dunderdale and Tom Marshall. Reid is a former Progressive Conservative member of Parliament who served as the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency under Prime Minister Kim Campbell;
- Dr. Amanda Bittner: studies elections and voting in Canada. She has published research on voter turnout, immigration, as well as the impact of social cleavages and political sophistication on political attitudes. She is currently working on projects in a number of areas, including voters' attitudes about immigration; the influence of gender on public opinion and voting; and Canadian parties and elections.
- Marie Ryan: Partner at Goss Gilroy Inc. Management Consultants and tireless advocate for social justice in the community, former councillor and deputy mayor. She is an advocate for inclusive citizenship and development of the housing and homelessness support services sector. She is the recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Dr. Steven Tomblin: is a full professor in the Department of Political Science and Medicine (Community Health) at Memorial University of Newfoundland. In addition to administrative service in the political science department, Tomblin has served as the Principal Investigator for the Atlantic Regional Training Centre.
It was noted that the intent is to have the recommendations presented to Council by September 22nd.