VANCOUVER, B.C. — Vancouver City Council has approved a motion brought forward by Councillor Pete Fry aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and public trust in how Council conducts its business, particularly with respect to closed (in camera) meetings.

The motion, debated at the Standing Committee on Policy and Strategic Priorities, responds to longstanding concerns about unclear rules governing in camera meetings, inconsistent disclosure practices, and the erosion of public accountability when decisions are made behind closed doors.

“Vancouverites expect openness, accountability, and clarity from their elected officials,” said Councillor Pete Fry. “This motion was about restoring public confidence in Council’s decision-making, especially when discussions happen out of public view. While not everything can be discussed openly, the outcomes of those discussions should be as transparent as possible.”

As approved, the motion affirms Council’s responsibility to uphold accountability for decisions and actions taken in the course of civic duties and directs staff to report back with clearer guidance on in camera procedures where the Procedure By-law is currently silent or ambiguous. This includes stronger expectations around justifying why meetings are closed and ensuring decisions are made in open session wherever advisable.

The motion also directs staff to more clearly summarize in camera meetings at the next available open Council meeting and to regularly notify Council and the public when in camera items are released because they are no longer considered sensitive.

Fry originally proposed broader reforms, including restoring the ability for Councillors to ask clarifying questions of public speakers and greater disclosure of in camera voting records. Those elements were removed through amendment, which Fry opposed, but he emphasized that the final motion still represents meaningful progress.

“This wasn’t the full accountability package I brought forward,” Fry said. “But it does move the needle. Clearer guidance, better summaries, and more consistent disclosure are important steps toward a more transparent City Hall.”

The motion builds on recommendations from the City’s Integrity Commissioner and aligns with best practices identified by the BC Ombudsperson and other jurisdictions, which emphasize that closed meetings should never be used to obscure democratic decision-making.

Council will now await a staff report proposing updates to the Procedure By-law and improvements to how in camera meetings are handled and reported moving forward.