This letter to the editor originally appeared in the Vancouver Island Free Daily on May 24, 2026.
By Dianne Rife
At a recent North Saanich council meeting, municipal staff walked out after a resident began addressing the proposed Appointment of Officers Bylaw, referring to it as a “zombie bill” – a common term for legislation that returns after previously being defeated. A similar motion had been voted down in December 2025, making the description understandable.
What is most concerning is that the resident appears to have been interrupted before making any substantive commentary. Council, staff, and the public do not know what he intended to say because he was denied the opportunity to finish his remarks. This raises troubling questions about whether constituents are truly free to speak openly at council meetings.
Public participation is a cornerstone of local democracy. Residents have the right to question decisions, express concerns, and comment on matters before council, even when those views may be uncomfortable to hear. Municipal staff play an essential role in supporting council, but they are not elected decision-makers, and their response should not limit public discourse.
While the Appointment of Officers Bylaw may seem administrative, the principle behind it is important. Decisions about officer appointments affect accountability, governance, and protections for key municipal leadership positions.
North Saanich has long been shaped by an engaged public willing to speak openly and honestly. The real issue is not just the bylaw, it is whether democratic dialogue and the public’s right to be heard are being respected.
Dianne Rife
North Saanich
