The mayor of North Saanich released his first statement Friday addressing the sudden and controversial resignation of a newly acclaimed councillor.

Mayor Geoff Orr, who has been in the mayorB次元官网网址檚 seat for just over a month, said he respects Coun. Joscelyn BarnardB次元官网网址檚 right to resign, as well as her right to express her opinion, however, he does B次元官网网址渘ot agree with her characterization of the B次元官网网址榮ystemB次元官网网址� she experienced as a new councillor.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淚 am personally committed to ensuring the District continues to be a positive and healthy work environment for all B次元官网网址� council and District staff. Council has complete confidence in staff and looks forward to a productive working relationship this term,B次元官网网址� Orr said.

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In her resignation letter, Barnard called on Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; North Saanich Mayor Geoff Orr and the B.C. Office of the Ombudsperson to B次元官网网址渃onduct a third-party auditB次元官网网址� into what she called B次元官网网址渢he corporate culture and practices of the District.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淲hat I found B次元官网网址� was a system that can be manipulated to silence persistent councillors and suppress difficult information through the use of in-camera meetings, threats of publicly funded litigation, severance demands, and labour laws,B次元官网网址� she wrote.

B次元官网网址淭his is not a healthy democratic environment for staff, council, or the public and I will not be a part of it,B次元官网网址� Barnard said, calling for changes to the community charter to improve accountability and transparency.

With the inaugural meeting of council on Nov. 5, Barnard had only participated in a handful of meetings.

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B次元官网网址淢ayor and council are disappointed that Ms. Barnard has decided to take this action so early in the term but do respect her right to do so. As a council, we agree with Ms. Barnard that stakeholder engagement and accountability are important and essential aspects of municipal governance and, as such, we are committed to making further improvements at the District of North Saanich.B次元官网网址�

The District of North Saanich council next meets Dec. 3.