PETITION TO HALIFAX REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY - RECALL MECHANISM FOR COUNCILLORS

To: Mayor Andy Fillmore, Halifax Regional Council, and the Nova Scotia Minister of Municipal Affairs,

We, the undersigned residents and electors of Halifax Regional Municipality, respectfully request that HRM Council advocate to the Province of Nova Scotia for the creation of a recall process for municipal councillors, and adopt a municipal recall by-law if provincial legislation permits.

Whereas:
Currently, there is no mechanism in Nova Scotia law for electors to remove a municipal councillor between elections, regardless of circumstances;
HRM's Code of Conduct process was amended in 2024 to remove the ability of the public to file complaints, leaving only councillor-on-councillor complaints;
British Columbia and Alberta already provide electors with a democratic tool to petition for a by-election when an elected official has lost the confidence of their constituents;
Four-year terms mean Halifax residents must wait years to hold a councillor accountable at the ballot box;

We Request:
That Halifax Regional Council formally request the Province of Nova Scotia amend the Halifax Regional Municipality Charter to include a citizen-initiated recall process;
That the process include: a minimum 18-month grace period after an election, a signature threshold of 40% of electors in the district, and a 60-day collection period — similar to the Alberta model;
Until provincial legislation is in place, that HRM strengthen accountability by reinstating public participation in the Code of Conduct complaint process and publishing investigation outcomes.

Democracy should not end on election day.
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