Manitoba

The Municipal Act

CCSM c M225, §§ 152–160

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Sunshine Score: 32/100 (weak)
32/100

Sunshine Score

32/100
Weak
Methodology v0.1
Advance Notice 3 days
Public Comment Not required
Closed Sessions 8 permitted categories
Minutes Required
Recording Not required
Remote Participation Allowed
Enforcement Voidable, legislature exempt

Agenda & Notice Requirements

Regular Meetings
3 days

Online posting: Not required

§ 153: council must give at least 72 hours (3 days) advance public notice of each regular council meeting. Notice must be given in the manner determined by council bylaw, which may include posting at the municipal office and on the municipality's website. The notice must state the date, time, and place of the meeting.

Public Participation

Public Comment
Not required
Written Comment
Not allowed

The Act does not mandate public comment periods at regular council meetings. Public participation opportunities at planning meetings are governed by The Planning Act (CCSM c P80).

Virtual Meetings

Member Remote Participation
Allowed
Counts Toward Quorum
Yes
Public Remote Comment
Not allowed

The Act was amended to permit electronic participation by council members. Municipalities may adopt bylaws authorizing members to attend meetings by electronic means; members attending remotely may count toward quorum if authorized by bylaw.

Closed Sessions

Closed (executive) sessions: Allowed under specific circumstances

Permitted Categories

Meeting Minutes

Minutes Required
Yes

Online posting: Not required

Content requirements: § 160: the administrator must prepare and certify minutes of each council meeting recording all resolutions and other proceedings. Minutes must be adopted by council at a subsequent meeting and are available for public inspection.

Recording & Broadcast

Recording Required
No
Broadcast Required
No

Enforcement

Violation Effect
Voidable
Standing to Sue
Any person may seek judicial review of a council decision made in violation of the open meeting requirements of §§ 152–160.
Enforcement Body
No dedicated open meeting investigator. Affected parties may seek judicial review in Manitoba Court of King's Bench.

Scope

This law applies to:

  • City
  • Town
  • Village
  • Municipality
  • Rural Municipality
  • Local Urban District

Legislature: Exempt (follows own rules)

Notes

The City of Winnipeg is governed by The City of Winnipeg Charter (SM 2002, c. 39) which has its own open meeting provisions parallel to The Municipal Act. The agenda_notice_regular_days of 3 reflects the 72-hour statutory requirement in § 153.

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The specific rules for Manitoba may differ from this general description. Consult the full statute for details.