Blackfalds passes parental leave policy for elected officials

The Town of Blackfalds now has a policy allowing elected officials to take parental leave.

Council gave third reading at their meeting on Tuesday to the policy that allows elected officials to take up to 20 weeks off following the birth or adoption of a child. They would receive 55 per cent of their base honourarium – not including compensation for serving on boards or commissions – along with their regular benefits.

The mayor and councillors would be eligible for leave after serving a minimum of six months in office. Only one leave will be approved per council member per term.

The province’s recently-modernized Municipal Government Act requires municipalities to have a parental leave for elected officials policy in place.