Delegations

Why Be a Delegate?


Town Council is the democratic institution and level of government closest to its citizens and provides the most accessible forum for residents to communicate with their elected officials.

As a citizen/resident of the Town of Slave Lake, you (Delegate) have an opportunity to express concerns about issues affecting the Town of Slave Lake at Regular Meetings of Council.

Responsibilities

Delegates appear usually:

  • To express views or opinions regarding an issue appearing on Council agendas.
  • To identify a specific concern requiring a decision.
  • To provide general comments for Council to consider about future community decisions.

A schedule of meetings for each month is posted at the Main entrance to the Town Office, advertised in the Lakeside Leader newspaper, and can be found on our website through the Council Calendar.


How to Be a Delegate


To appear before Council delegations are requested to contact the Executive Assistant (EA) at 780-849-8000. You will be required to complete and submit a Delegation to Council Form, which is a "Public Document" that will be a part of the agenda package.


The Executive Assistant (EA) will contact you and inform you of the date and time of the Council Meeting agenda that you are scheduled to appear on. 

Written material pertaining to the delegate’s item should be submitted so it can be placed on the agenda for distribution prior to the meeting. These documents are to be received by the EA no later than 4:30 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the Council meeting you are scheduled to attend. This allows the EA time to include the documents into the agenda and this allows staff an opportunity to gather or prepare necessary information and Council an opportunity to study the issue before the meeting. If written material is not available the item may be tabled or the decision delayed. Please note the agenda is a Public Document and all submissions will be considered "Public Information."

Staff should be given advance notice of the delegation in order to:

  • Determine if delegation attendance is absolutely necessary; concerns can sometimes be resolved by a staff member or may be outside the jurisdiction of the municipal level of government
  • Determine if the item being discussed would be better presented in a private, non-public venue - if it involves personnel or confidential documents/issues
  • Arrange for audio-visual equipment if necessary

Issues That Will Not Be Heard as Delegations


  • Invitations to Council to participate in an event or special occasion. These should be submitted to the Executive Assistant during business hours.
  • Promotions of a private business or group
  • Request for donations or sponsorship.

What can I expect to happen at the Meeting

Upon entering Council Chambers the following is expected:

  • You can sit anywhere in the audience you wish
  • After the meeting is ‘called to order’ the Mayor will announce the delegations and call forward as they appear on the agenda
  • Upon hearing your name you take a seat at the presenter’s table

Tips to assist in presenting delegate’s position to Council:

  1. Prepare in advance for no more than a ten (10) minute presentation. Written material will help to keep you focused and ensure you stay within the allotted time. It also helps members of Council and staff when they have details of your concern in writing.
  2. If you are appearing on behalf of a larger group, advise the secretary that you will be speaking for the group. Larger groups are asked to select no more than two spokespersons to speak on their behalf.
  3. Delegations are normally heard at the beginning of the agenda and are placed in order in which the request is received. When it is your turn the Chair will call your name and request you to proceed to the delegation table where you will identify yourself, the group you are representing, and state your presentation. You must speak into the microphone so that all in attendance can hear you clearly.
  4. When addressing the Mayor it is appropriate to use ‘Your Worship’ and when addressing Mayor and Council it is appropriate to use ‘Mayor and Council’.
  5. Be very clear and concise on what your request is to Council and why you are presenting to them.
  6. After your presentation has been made Council will be permitted to ask you questions.
  7. When this is complete the Mayor will thank you for your presentation. At this point you may return to your seat in the audience section. After this, the Mayor/Chair will not entertain further comments from the delegation, and will not enter into debate with the delegation. Council may direct questions to staff resource members on the matter.
  8. After all delegations have been heard the Mayor/Chair may:
  • Discuss the item later in the agenda and make a decision
  • Refer the item to a future meeting so additional information can be obtained
  • Receive the item as information only (which means no decision to change current policy is supported.

Delegation Etiquette

Please Remember — Applause, booing, or other audible demonstrations of support or opposition will not be tolerated. Please display the same courtesy and respect to others that you expect for yourself. Delegations and members of the audience are requested to respect all citizens, regardless of differing views or opinions.