NANAIMO CITY COUNCILOR ATTENDANCE

 

TYLER BROWN ATTENDANCE?

City Council Attendance and Accountability

Regular watchers of Nanaimo City Council have commented on social media that Councillor Tyler Brown appears to be absent from a significant number of meetings. Since attendance is not routinely highlighted in the official minutes, it can be difficult to determine with certainty if his attendance record is as spotty as some claim.

In addition to his council seat, Brown also serves on the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) board. That means he receives the 'full meal deal' of remuneration and benefits, drawing close to $100,000 per year in combined taxpayer-funded compensation. For what is often described as a part-time role, that is a substantial cost to residents.

The Community Charter is clear: a councillor can be disqualified from office if they miss either four consecutive regular council meetings or 60 consecutive days of council meetings, unless the absences are excused due to illness or officially approved leave. In other words, councillors cannot simply skip out indefinitely without consequence.

Given the level of pay and the responsibility that comes with public office, it should not be unreasonable for taxpayers to expect consistent attendance at City Council—with the obvious exception of legitimate illness or emergency. Anything less risks eroding both accountability and public trust.