Statement from Mayor Bigger – GSDC Motion

Nov 26, 2019

July I was very concerned that the GSDC board was moving in a direction that would make it less effective in fulfilling its mandate, and would remove existing direct Council oversight from the board. 

It was becoming clear that the value of the independence of board members was being interpreted by several board members as a call to work independently and apart from City Council, as opposed to a call to work more effectively with Council. 

Several of us felt that the board had been pursuing ideas and partnerships without full Council knowledge and that was the motivation for my motion.

However, since the summer time, the GSDC has seen new leadership and both Ms. Lacroix and myself have been in constant contact in an effort to find ways that ensured Council has confidence in the future direction of the GSDC. 

The conversations have been very productive and together we are working to redefine the GSDC's mandate and reporting process to Council to find compromise for both sides involved.

I have confidence in Ms. Lacroix as Chair and I do believe we are all now fully aligned as to how the GSDC and Council will be able to work more effectively together as we all strive to see a stronger and more successful City of Greater Sudbury.

Mayor Brian Bigger
 City of Greater Sudbury

- 30 –

Media contact:    
Melissa Zanette
Office of the Mayor
City of Greater Sudbury
Phone: 705-674-4455 ext. 2521
E-mail: melissa.zanette@greatersudbury.ca