Truro, Colchester councils warned by province about use of in-camera meetings

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeAtlantic CanadaNova ScotiaTruro Truro, Colchester councils warned by province about use of in-camera meetings Letters issued by Nova Scotia's minister of municipal affairs John MacDonald Author of the article: By Aidan Rawding Published Sep 11, 2026 2 minute read A file photo of a Colchester County council meeting on Jan. 15. Nova Scotia Municipal Affairs Minister John MacDonald recently issued letters to both the Municipality of Colchester and the Town of Truro about their use of in-camera meetings. PHOTO BY AIDAN RAWDING /Truro News Article content The Town of Truro and the Municipality of Colchester councils were recently warned by the province about their use of in-camera meetings. Article content Municipal Affairs Minister John MacDonald issued the letters to both municipalities this summer. Article content Article content “We follow the Municipal Government Act (MGA) to the letter when it comes to in-camera meetings, and we will continue to have in-camera meetings on the issues that are clearly outlined under the Municipal Government Act,” said Colchester County Mayor Christine Blair. Article content Article content “I believe it was unfounded, and I believe it was unjust.” Article content “Well, we didn’t know what it meant,” Truro Mayor Cathy Hinton said when asked about the town’s response to the letter. Article content “We didn’t understand it because we follow all the rules for the MGA.” Article content MacDonald’s letter to Blair, and the following correspondence, were accepted as an information item at Colchester County’s council meeting on Aug. 27. Article content Truro Mayor Cathy Hinton said the town didn’t understand the province’s letter because they follow all the rules of the Municipal Government Act. PHOTO BY FILE /Truro News Article content In the letter, MacDonald said he received concerns about the number of in-camera meetings held by Colchester County council. Article content MacDonald said some of the meetings may not align with governance guidelines about what council can talk about behind closed doors. He encouraged them to consult their legal advisors if needed. Article content According to the Municipal Government Act, councils are allowed to meet in-camera to discuss: Article content Acquisition, sale, lease and security of municipal property; Setting a minimum price to be accepted by the…