For Immediate Release
Friday, January 26, 2024
The Provincial Government announced today that Chris Collins has been appointed as a Justice of the Peace. Per the Justices of the Peace Act, Mr. Collins is no longer eligible to serve as a Member of Council for the Municipality of Port Hope. This is due to the requirement that a Justice of the Peace must terminate other employment and abstain from engaging in any political activities upon appointment.
“On behalf of all Members of Council, I offer heartfelt congratulations to Chris on his appointment to the Ontario Court of Justice as a Justice of the Peace,” states Mayor Olena Hankivsky. “It has been a pleasure working alongside Chris over the last year and we wish him the very best as he takes on this incredible new opportunity. Council will begin the process of filling the vacant Council seat and more information about that process will be available in the coming weeks.”
Mr. Collins has formally stepped down from his role as a Member of Council for the Municipality of Port Hope. In accordance with the Municipal Act, when a member resigns, Council is required to declare that seat vacant at its next meeting. Council has 60 days after declaring a seat vacant to either appoint an individual to fill the vacancy or pass a by-law declaring a by-election.
Council will declare Mr. Collins’ seat vacant at their next regular meeting on February 13 and a report will be brought forward at a future meeting to consider an appointment or a by-election. Throughout the process, the community will receive regular updates to stay informed about the proceedings.
More information about filling Council vacancies is available on the Ontario website.
Background
Chris Collins was first elected to Municipal Council in October 2022, and this was his first term on Council. Mr. Collins was one of two Members of Council who represent residents in the rural area of the Municipality.
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