COMMITTEE SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE

Three weeks ago I wrote a column asking Coun. Joy Davies to come
clean on the members of her "marijuana task force," which she says
will be bringing recommendations to council in approximately four
months time. In response, she told me "freedom of information"
doesn't apply until this task force makes its recommendations.

Some of these committee members are representing our city. Some of
these members represent us in other ways. Some of them are working
for public institutions. Whether you are for or against a public
medical marijuana campaign in our community you have a right to know.

Davies has presented to us a general list of people who will be on
the committee and she said everyone on the list agreed except MLA John Slater.

Based on this list, the people on this committee are:

Two members of council. That means Davies and one other. The only
likely members are Mayor Brian Taylor, Coun. Christine Thompson or
Coun. Chris Moslin. Contact them through City Hall.

Member of Parliament Alex Atamenenko. You can reach him at his
constituency office at 1-800-667-2393

Fire Chief. That's Blair MacGregor. You can reach him through City Hall.

Senior's representative. David Janzen has announced has announced to
council that he was selected by unanimous vote to represent his
seniors' club on this committee.

Hospital representative and Interior Health Authority representative.
Our local hospital is governed by the Interior Health Authority,
which in turn, is governed by a public board. Norman Embree is the chair.

The other members are a doctor, a counselor/psychologist, a medical
user, law enforcement or lawyer, representative of the Doukhobor
community and master grower. Davies mentioned there was a lawyer on
the committee which would rule out a law enforcement representative.
If this is a little confusing that's because government should be
operated in an open and transparent manner. You know, the way our
council told us it would be a year ago, when they were running for election.