Dear Editor:
I’m writing because I’m concerned that some members of the public may have formed an incorrect impression regarding the District (of North Vancouver)’s new policy to manage inappropriate correspondence. I’d very much appreciate the opportunity to set the record straight.
The district is provincially mandated to ensure our workplace is free of bullying and harassment. In the past, our policy has focused exclusively on interactions between employees, and between staff and council.
This new policy explicitly ensures that interactions between the public and staff, and the public and council are free from bullying and harassment.
I’d like to be very clear that this does not mean that all correspondence to council now goes through the municipal clerk for review. What this policy does do is allow us to manage unique situations where a specific individual or organization repeatedly sends offensive correspondence. In these rare situations, the policy requires a resolution by council to start managing the correspondence from the specified source and the source is notified that the action is being taken.
By directing specific correspondence through the clerk, the policy ensures that legitimate access to council is maintained. Any correspondence from the specified source that addresses policy, procedural or other concerns continues to be forwarded to council.
Only items that are exclusively offensive, misleading, threatening or similarly inappropriate are separately managed by the clerk.
Putting this policy in place is not an attempt by council to avoid criticism or shy away from the public taking them to task on a decision they have made or are considering.
This is about ensuring, just as we do with staff, that members of council are not subjected to what constitutes very clear bullying or harassment. We believe the policy enhances accountability and promotes the kind of public discourse expected by our community.
Making the policy public and open to comment is consistent with our overall goal of respectful and meaningful public dialogue.
David Stuart
Chief administrative officer
District of North Vancouver
What are your thoughts? Send us a letter via email by clicking here or post a comment below.
