Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas recently urged city councillors to avoid speaking to the media ahead of council meetings in accordance with the city’s code of conduct, which designates the mayor as the spokesperson for the city. Dyas emphasized that councillors are free to share their personal opinions with the media but should refrain from speaking to the media before motions are brought to council for debate. This directive came after Coun. Ron Cannan cancelled an interview with Global News about a proposed ‘Buy Canadian’ policy, citing direction from the mayor to refrain from engaging with the media before the council had discussed the motion. Despite the mayor’s directive, he stated that councillors are elected in their own right and are entitled to share their opinions with the media.
Political science lecturer Stewart Prest commented on the situation, noting that attempts to control messaging are more common at higher levels of government, rather than at the municipal level. He expressed concern about elected representatives being discouraged from answering media questions, as it raises alarm bells about transparency and democracy at the grassroots level. Former Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd, who served from 2005 to 2011, stated that she never instructed councillors not to speak to the media during her tenure, highlighting the changing circumstances in the current political landscape. Coun. Loyal Woolldridge, while stating that he doesn’t feel silenced by the mayor, acknowledged the challenge of speaking to the media before making decisions, as councillors need to keep an open mind and await further information before voting.
Rick Webber, a former media member, emphasized that councillors are free to express their opinions, regardless of the mayor’s directive. He noted that the mayor is not the boss of city council and that councillors have the autonomy to speak out if they choose to do so. While seeking a unified voice on council decisions, Dyas’ directive has stirred debate on the balance between promoting a collective voice and allowing individual councillors to express their views. The issue of transparency and accountability in decision-making processes has been raised as councillors grapple with the challenge of navigating media engagement while upholding their responsibilities as elected representatives. This situation reflects a broader discussion around the role of elected officials in engaging with the media and the public in a democratic society.
