A group of Springfield, Manitoba, residents has taken legal action against a municipal policy that bans the recording of public council meetings, arguing it violates their Charter rights.The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms announced that four residents have filed a Notice of Application with the Manitoba Court of King’s Bench, challenging the legality of the Rural Municipality of Springfield Council’s recording ban.The issue began after a resident was told to stop recording a February 4 council meeting. Mayor Therrien claimed that only members of the media — who must request permission 48 hours in advance — are allowed to record meetings. According to the mayor, the public is not considered media and therefore cannot record at all..On March 20, constitutional lawyer Darren Leung sent a warning letter to the council, stating that the Municipal Act does not give the mayor the authority to ban recordings and that no existing by-law or resolution supports the prohibition. Leung argued that the ban infringes on residents' freedom of expression and communication, as protected by section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.Despite the legal warning, the council maintained its prohibition. The court application now seeks to have the ban struck down, claiming it is unauthorized and, if formalized through a by-law, would still be unconstitutional..“Municipal government should strive for maximum transparency and openness,” said Leung. “We are asking the court to uphold this important right to keep local governments accountable, and to allow the free flow of information.”Daniel Page, a Springfield resident and computer science professor who joined the application, said the ban threatens public accountability.“I believe the recording ban is part of a continued attempt by the RM of Springfield to control public oversight, limit public participation, and tighten control over how meetings are documented,” Page said.
