HomeMy Public PortalAboutBy-Law 2019-11 Adopt a Pregnancy Leave and Parental Leave Policy for Members of CouncilCORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF TWEED
BY-LAW NO. 2019-11
Being a By-law to Adopt a Pregnancy Leave and Parental Leave Policy for members of
Council for the Municipality of Tweed.
WHEREAS the Municipal Act, 2001 provides the general authority for Councils to adopt
policies;
NOW THEREFORE the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Tweed enacts
as follows:
1. THAT the Pregnancy Leave and Parental Leave Policy for members of Council
attached hereto as Schedule "A" to this By-law, is hereby adopted as the
Pregnancy Leave and Parental Leave Policy for members of Council for the
Municipality of Tweed.
2. THAT this By-law shall come into force and take effect immediately upon the
passing thereof by the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Tweed.
Read a first and second time this 13th day of March, 2019.
Read a third and final time, passed, signed and sealed in open Council this 13th day of
March, 2019.
-21,41_ skael-).1 -
49YOR
PREGNANCY LEAVES AND PARENTAL
LEAVES OF MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
Purpose
This policy provides guidance on how the Municipality of Tweed addresses a Council Member's
pregnancy or parental leave in a manner that respects a Member's statutory role as an elected
representative, in accordance with Section 270 of the Municipal Act, 2001.
Statement
The Municipality of Tweed recognizes a Member of Council's right to take leave for the
Member's pregnancy, the birth of the Member's child or the adoption of a child by the Member
in accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001.
Definitions
Pregnancy and/or Parental Leave: an absence of 20 consecutive weeks or less as a result of a
Member's pregnancy, the birth of a Member's child or the adoption of a child by the Member in
accordance with Section 259 (1.1) of the Municipal Act, 2001.
Procedures
1. The Municipality of Tweed Council supports a Member of Council's right to pregnancy
and/or parental leave in keeping with the following principles:
a. A Member of Council is elected to represent the interests of their constituents.
b. A Member's pregnancy and/or parental leave does not require Council approval
and their office cannot be declared vacant as a result of the Pregnancy and/or
Parental Leave.
c. The Member is entitled to continue to receive communication from the
Municipality (Council packages, email, meeting invitations), as if the Member
were not on Leave, in accordance with the wishes of the Member.
d. A Member of Council on Pregnancy and/or Parental Leave reserves the right to
participate as a Member at any time during their leave.
e. A Member of Council on Pregnancy and/or Parental Leave shall continue to be
paid and continue to have expenses paid in accordance with any Council expense
policy.
2. Where a Member of Council will be absent due to a Pregnancy and/or Parental Leave the
Member shall provide written notice to the Municipality of Tweed CAO/Clerk outlining
the expected duration of leave including a potential start date and return date.
3. It is understood that under emergent circumstances, a Member may not be able to submit
the appropriate notice before the Leave commences. Each Member shall nonetheless
endeavour to provide the appropriate notice in advance of any Leave or as soon as
possible after commencing the Pregnancy and/or Parental Leave. The Municipality of
Tweed CAO/Clerk will provide all Council Members with a copy of any written notice.
4. The Council Members shall make temporary appointments to fill any vacancies of the
Member to Committees, Boards, Project Teams or other meetings or activities of the
Member.
5. Notwithstanding, at any point in time during a Member's Pregnancy and/or Parental
Leave, the Member can provide written notice to the CAO/Clerk of their interest to lift
any of the Council -approved, temporary appointments. The Member shall inform the
CAO/Clerk, with proper notice, on any changes regarding their return date.
Exclusions
This policy does not apply to Municipality of Tweed staff, or Members of Local
Boards/Committees.