My role as speaker of council
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 09/02/2021 (840 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Ordinarily, I write this column about the matters I’m working on as your city councillor. From roads to parks to cannabis regulation, I always appreciate hearing your perspectives and advocating for thoughtful solutions.
This month, I’d like to share with you about another role I have on city council — that of speaker of council.
I was first elected as speaker by my council colleagues in 2013. I appreciate their continued confidence and the opportunity to work with each of them to continue moving Winnipeg forward.
The role of the speaker is to chair council meetings and maintain decorum, respect, and fairness during debate. Unlike the role of speaker at the provincial or federal government, I do get to fully participate in the debate and am allowed to vote on all matters before council. This means I can serve as speaker while still advocating for the citizens of Old Kildonan and Winnipeg.
I take great pride in developing positive, collaborative relationships with all city councillors, which I draw upon to work together towards improvements to our neighbourhoods and our entire city.
I continue to shed light on the issues impacting residents of Old Kildonan. I recently spoke on transit, taxi and ride share service, the issue of cannabis growth in residential areas, and the overall city budget. I will continue to stand up for our community in this way.
Like so many other things in our lives, the proceedings of city council have been altered during the pandemic. As speaker of council, I am very keen to ensure that our civic democratic processes continue operating effectively. Together with council and the city clerk’s office, we implemented electronic council and committee meetings, we now broadcast electronic meetings on YouTube, and we have made it possible for citizens and delegations to appear remotely.
I know Winnipeggers value having open, transparent, and respectful debate where every council member is given a fair opportunity to speak for their constituents. I encourage you to continue tuning in to council meetings which are livestreamed online and also aired by Shaw TV.
You can find more information about watching council meetings at www.winnipeg.ca
As always, feel free to reach out to my office with any of your ideas, perspectives, or concerns about things you’re seeing in our ward and city.
You can reach out by phoning 204-986-5264 or by emailing devi@winnipeg.ca
Devi Sharma
Old Kildonan ward report
Devi Sharma is the city councillor for Old Kildonan.