WHEREAS the Municipal Act, 2001 outlines the roles of the Head of Council and Council to ensure the accountability and transparency of the municipality and its

WHEREAS the Municipal Act, 2001 outlines the roles of the Head of Council and Council to ensure the accountability and transparency of the municipality and its operations; WHEREAS Council is committed to the "Default to Open" principle, ensuring that information regarding the strategic direction and external relations of the County is shared with the collective governing body in a timely and consistent manner; WHEREAS members of Council are bound by the statutory requirements of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) and the Municipal Code of Conduct to maintain the confidentiality of privileged information; WHEREAS the effective representation of Prince Edward County requires that all members of Council are adequately informed of discussions involving senior levels of government and other stakeholders to ensure cohesive decision-making; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT: THAT Council directs the Chief Administrative Officer and Mayor to commit to the proactive and timely sharing of all pertinent information and strategic updates with the entirety of Council to ensure collective oversight; THAT Council directs that, where feasible, the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer provide Council with advance notice of scheduled meetings with senior levels of government to allow for the alignment of municipal priorities advocacy efforts and attendance; THAT Council directs the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer to collaborate with Council on the development of briefing materials and strategic objectives for formal delegations to Ministers and senior officials at conferences, including but not limited to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA); and THAT Council reaffirms its commitment to the Code of Conduct and the protection of confidential information, recognizing that transparent internal sharing is predicated on the professional obligation of every member to prevent u