Innisfail Town Council on Jan. 11 accepted the resignation of Councillor Glen Carritt. Councillor Carritt submitted a signed letter of resignation during the Jan. 11 Regular Meeting of Council, following a council discussion relating to Councillor Carritt’s promotion on social media of a local business opening, despite the business being listed to remain temporarily closed as directed by the Alberta Government through public health measures.

Councillors indicated that they too were concerned with the well-being of all Innisfail businesses, but noted that promoting a business to open in spite of government restrictions did not reflect the mandate of council. Council’s authority and decision-making powers are regulated by the Municipal Government Act and through municipal bylaws. As outlined in the Municipal Government Act and within the Town of Innisfail Code of Conduct bylaw, decision-making authority lies with council, and not with any individual member.

It was also noted that the Code of Conduct bylaw is specific in outlining council’s requirement of “[upholding] the law established by the Parliament of Canada and the Legislature of Alberta, and the bylaws, policies and procedures adopted by council.” It was during this discussion that Councillor Carritt tendered his resignation.

Mayor Jim Romane after the meeting expressed his gratitude for Councillor Carritt’s service to the community over the years: “We thank Glen for his contributions to council and the community and wish him well in his future endeavours,” he said.

Council will discuss the vacancy resulting from Councillor Carritt’s departure during the Jan. 25 Regular Meeting of Council and determine at that time whether a byelection will be required.