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Let’s Do Something About This: Motions

How are motions created and brought forward?

A motion at a City Council or Committee meeting is the formal process for Councillors to suggest a specific action, policy, or decision that they believe Council or Committee members should consider and ultimately provides direction to the City Manager, with majority support. 

There are two ways Council members can put forward motions:  

  1. By giving notice of their intent to do a specific motion at a specific meeting 

  2. During a meeting as a primary or follow-up motion related to a report that is being debated on the agenda. 

Following discussion and debate on the motion, a vote is taken to determine whether the motion passes or fails. With 13 Council members on Edmonton City Council (including the Mayor), a motion at a City Council meeting requires 7 votes in favour to pass, and any Councillor can put forward a motion at Council Meetings or Public Hearings.

If not all members are present, and the vote is a tie - then the motion fails. At Committee meetings, only members who are serving on that particular committee can make a motion, vote on motions, or make amendments. Those not on the committee are allowed to ask questions and speak to the motion before committee members vote. 

How are motions created and brought forward? Sometimes they arise out of discussions or items that are presented to Council or Committees. For me, I may decide to make a motion based on information that my office receives from City Administration or ward residents, or through identifying  where there may be a gap in funding or policy.

This can also first come in the form of an inquiry. Often, an inquiry provides information for making a motion at a later meeting. Sometimes Council is aware of motions prior to  the meeting. However, Councillors can also make motions which arise out of discussion at the meeting. Once a motion is tabled, it must be dealt with (withdrawn or a vote). 

Did you know there is a useful online tool that allows you to search City Council motions? Searching my name in the keywords will display all the motions that I’ve made. 

Please connect with any questions about motions or how I’ve voted.  I’m always happy to go through the thought process that went into any yes or no vote!

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