BUDGET COMMITTEE (STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ON BUDGET)

MINUTES

Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 9:30 a.m. - Reconvene February 14, 2025 9:30 a.m., and February 19, 2025 9:30 a.m.

Council Chamber, 3rd Floor City Hall, 1841 Argyle Street, Halifax

Present:

• Councillor Cathy Deagle Gammon, Chair
• Mayor Andy Fillmore
• Deputy Mayor Tony Mancini
• Councillor David Hendsbee
• Councillor Becky Kent
• Councillor Trish Purdy
• Councillor Sam Austin
• Councillor Laura White
• Councillor Virginia Hinch
• Councillor Shawn Cleary
• Councillor Kathryn Morse
• Councillor Patty Cuttell
• Councillor Janet Steele
• Councillor Nancy Hartling
• Councillor John Young
• Councillor Billy Gillis
• Councillor Jean St-Amand

Staff:

• Jerry Blackwood, Executive Director of Finance & Asset Management/Chief Financial Officer
• John Traves, K.C., CD, Municipal Solicitor/Chief Governance Officer
• Iain MacLean, Municipal Clerk
• Catherine Campbell, Legislative Assistant

The following does not represent a verbatim record of the proceedings of this meeting. 

The agenda, reports, supporting documents information items circulated and video (if available) are online at halifax.ca. 

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1.

CALL TO ORDER AND LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

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The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:33 a.m. and acknowledged that the meeting took place in the traditional and ancestral territory of the Mi'kmaq people, and that we are all treaty people. 

2.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

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3.

APPROVAL OF THE ORDER OF BUSINESS AND APPROVAL OF ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS

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Additions: None

Deletions: None

MOVED by Councillor Kent, seconded by Councillor Deputy Mayor Mancini

THAT the agenda be approved as presented. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED. 

4.

CALL FOR DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTERESTS

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None

5.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

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Isabel Tees, District 7 spoke in opposition to the proposed 2025/26 Halifax Regional Police (HRP) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police Halifax Regional District (RCMP HRD) budget. Tees noted criminalization of poverty, the 2022 Defunding the Police: Defining the Way Forward for Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) report and public consultation related to the report. Tees highlighted dissatisfaction with the Board of Police Commissioners and need for evaluating police training, clear performance metrics and encouraged Halifax Regional Municipality to establish a grant program to promote access to mental health services.

Lou Campbell, District 8 spoke in opposition to the proposed 2025/26 HRP and RCMP HRD budget. Campbell noted the 2022 Defunding the Police: Defining the Way Forward for HRM report and highlighted the purpose of detasking police services, need for alignment with public safety initiatives, concerns with the purchase of an armoured rescue vehicle (ARV), streamlined budgeting and increase of poverty in the Municipality. Campbell highlighted lack of trust in Halifax Regional Council and encouraged redirecting of police funds to other social services. 

Jim Cormier, Retail Council Atlantic spoke to representing retailers and the prominence of retail crime. Cormier highlighted social determinants of retail theft and the need for an intergovernmental response. Cormier noted backlog of justice services, need for increased patrol officers to address retail theft, options for diversifying resources, threats of violence to retail workers and conversations with police services across the country to discuss organized theft. Cormier responded to questions of clarification from Budget Committee regarding retail crime reporting, statistics and retail policies for intervening in theft. 

Carmel Farahbakhsh, Halifax spoke to working in the youth sector, prevalence of poverty in HRM, need for resource diversion and noted police do not solve social issues. Farahbakhsh spoke to police's negative encounters with youth and importance of collecting police data. Farahbakhsh noted a report from the Canadian Centre for Policy outlining youth poverty and criminalization. Farahbakhsh encouraged Budget Committee to review the recommendations in the 2022 Defunding the Police: Defining the Way Forward for HRM report.

Kay MacDonald, District 7 spoke in opposition to the proposed 2025/26 HRP and RCMP HRD budget and noted concerns with armoured vehicles and militarization of police services. MacDonald highlighted the need for the Board of Police Commissioners to uphold their mandate and HRP and HRD RCMP's lack of communication for why they need new resources. MacDonald encouraged diversion of police resources into social services and outlined concerns with the public participation process. 

Paxton Romana, District 8 spoke in opposition to the proposed 2025/26 HRP and RCMP HRD budget and encouraged money being allocated to the proposed armoured rescue vehicle be relocated to social services. Romana noted previous budget consultations, lack of shelter options for those experiencing homelessness, prevalence of gender-based violence and lack of affordability in the Municipality. Romana noted concerns with consultation being held during business hours. 

Joanna Bull, Halifax, Ecology Action Centre (EAC) spoke to the mandate of the EAC and noted the need to focus on detasking and defunding the police. Bull encouraged need to allocate public money into other services, such as, environmental emergency services and fire and emergency services. Bull noted increased number of demonstrations in HRM, suggesting it should not be used to justify the purchase of an ARV. Bull spoke to proper egress planning and noted armed police were not needed to respond to climate emergencies. 

Jay Arron Roy, District 5 spoke in opposition to the proposed 2025/26 HRP and RCMP HRD budget. Roy noted experience owning a small business and lack of retail crime. Roy highlighted concerns with the homelessness evictions in 2021. Roy emphasized concerns with the purchase of an ARV, including lack of policies for use, human rights concerns and previous Halifax Regional Council direction on the purchase. 

Elizabeth Booth, Fall River spoke to traffic calming on roads, reducing speed, limitations under the Motor Vehicle Act and need for provincial legislation changes to allow photo radar. Booth encouraged HRP to enforce safe driving and to utilize community police offices. Booth noted concern with police response times and lack of police presence at events. 

Nancy Hunter, District 11 spoke to the proposed 2025/26 HRP and RCMP HRD budgets and noted that police were well funded and there was a lack of communication between Councillors and members of the public. Hunter highlighted concerns with the purchase of an ARV, police policy approaches and concerns with the Board Police Commissioners, such as, lack of transparency and consultation methods. Hunter encouraged Budget Committee to ask members of the public more questions.

Asaf Rashid, District 9 spoke on behalf of the East Coast Prison Society and to work in prison monitoring. Rashid spoke to experience working on sub-committee focused on detasking police and role as counsel for people arrested during 2021 evictions. Rashid highlighted the Mass Casualty Commission recommendations, lack of transparency and oversight with the Board of Police Commissioners, policies for unhoused people and the 2022 Defunding the Police: Defining the Way Forward for HRM report.  Rashid noted opposition to hiring more police officers and the purchase of an ARV, citing concerns with lack of policy for the ARV. 

Kiera Blackadar, District 7 spoke in opposition of the proposed 2025/26 HRP and RCMP HRD budgets. Blackadar noted lack of transparency in police spending, the Chief Administrative Officers authority, lack of trust and transparency with the Board of Police Commissioners, crime statistics not being a strong indication for spending and police effectiveness, police response to sexual assault cases, the Police Act, core tasks of policing and amount of HRP members on approved leaves. Blackadar encouraged redirecting police funds to community resources and referenced the 2022 Defunding the Police: Defining the Way Forward for HRM report. 

Ed Mury, District 4 spoke in opposition to a 7.6% tax increased and highlighted lack of affordability in the Municipality. Mury noted property assessment values, increased utility costs and pension limits. 

Willa Oaks, District 9 spoke in opposition of the proposed 2025/26 HRP and RCMP HRD budgets. Oaks noted accessibility concerns with public consultation meetings, increased militarization of police, lack of accountability with the Board of Police Commissioners and the criminalization of mental health challenges.

Oyku Su Gurler, District 5 spoke to working in the food security sector and noted opposition of the proposed 2025/26 HRP and RCMP HRD budgets. Gurler highlighted concerns with the proven effectiveness of body worn cameras, lack of scrutiny in reviewing budgets, lack of funding for social services, lack of housing and the Board of Police Commissioners effectiveness and accountability. Gurler noted need to be creative when creating the 2025/26 budget and encouraged Budget Committee to analyze funding for food security.

Ron Jeppesen, West Chezzetcook, President of Eastern Shore Ground Search and Rescue Association (GSAR) spoke to the proposed 2025/26 Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency (HRFE) budget, challenges with changes in HRM management structure and role and mandate of GSAR in providing emergency services. Jeppesen noted GSAR's funding structure and lack of resources for replacement of items, infrastructure upkeep and specialized training. Jeppesen highlighted lack of financial resources to cover normal expenses and how volunteers cover costs for their own equipment. Jeppesen noted concerns with having appropriate equipment for working in adverse environments and occupational health and safety regulations. Jeppesen responded to questions of clarification from Budget Committee regarding budget requests, collaboration with HRM staff, volunteer turnover, implications of HRM staff turnover and number of trained members.  

Rebecca Hartery, District 8 spoke to the budget procedure and funding in the capital budget allocated to HRP and RCMP HRD, noting concerns with capital allocation for weaponry, ARV's and personal protection equipment. Hartery noted the police's lack of evidence in the budget process and displacement of community services. 

Ames Mather, District 8 spoke to representing students and work with Canadian Federation of Students. Mather highlighted their opposition to the proposed 2025/26 HRP and RCMP HRD budgets. Mather noted vulnerability of students, lack of policy governing the proposed ARV and government reporting structures for grants, noting HRP should comply to similar reporting. Mather expressed concerns with police involvement in student advocating and encouraged money allocation to community services, harm reduction interventions and urged Budget Committee to reflect on the 2021 evictions. Mather responded to questions of clarification from Budget Committee regarding citizen led by-law enforcement outside of by-law staff working hours and options for detasking the police. 

Gabe Green, West End spoke in opposition to the proposed 2025/26 HRP and RCMP HRD budgets. Green noted lack of input in the budget process and accessibility concerns. Green highlighted community concern with the proposed budgets, body worn cameras, militarization of police and capital budget resource allocation for an ARV. Green voiced concerns with the Board of Police Commissioners legitimacy and communication with members.  

Ash Hinchey, District 8 spoke in opposition to the proposed 2025/26 HRP and RCMP HRD budgets. Hinchey noted concerns with increased militarization of police, lack of policies for the proposed ARV, lack of accountability and transparency in research and decision making. Hinchey cited The Wortley Report and other evidence-based research publications. Hinchey encouraged public spending to be allocated into other community services. 

Brenden Marr, President of Halifax Professional Firefighters spoke in support of the proposed 2025/26 HRFE budget. Marr encouraged Budget Committee to evaluate collected data on service delivery in a dense municipality and noted response time compliance, need for more staffing and station efficiencies. Marr highlighted health implications of firefighting, such as, high cancer rates. Marr emphasized the need to address cancer screening options for firefighters and encouraged funding to allow members to participate in early cancer detection treatments. Marr responded to questions of clarification from Budget Committee regarding gaps in the healthcare system for screening, toxic chemicals in modern building infrastructure, the role of gear in cancer prevention and options for implementing a cancer screening program. 

Ray Paul spoke in opposition to the proposed 2025/26 HRP and RCMP HRD budgets and to different support mechanisms for people in distress, different understandings of violence and different community-led approaches to tackling violence. Paul noted the Mass Casualty Commission, community support for gender-diverse individuals, engagement with young people and concerns with police representation at public consultation meetings. Paul noted lack community of services in Eastern Passage.

Nicole Corrado, Beaconsfield, Quebec spoke to proposed 2025/26 HRP and RCMP HRD and need for a community crisis service and the Toronto crisis intervention model. Corrado encouraged detasking police and reallocating police funds to social services. Corrado noted lack of funding for animal services and operational challenges of animal shelters. Corrado emphasized the success of the Voluntary Vulnerable Persons Registry. 

Sue Uteck, Spring Garden Business Improvement District (BID) spoke to work in the Spring Garden area, police collaboration with the BIDs and need for increased police and non-police support on the streets. Uteck highlighted the Navigator Program, amount of theft in 2024, lack of accuracy in crime statistics and crime reporting and lack of mental health support for individuals living rough. Uteck noted organized crime in the area and responded to questions of clarification from Budget Committee regarding collaboration with the provincial government and the role of Street Navigators. 

Makita Taint, Halifax spoke in opposition to the proposed 2025/26 HRP and RCMP HRD budgets and lack of diversity in the force, increased militarization of the police. Taint noted concerned with the purchase of an ARV and community unease with increase police services. Taint highlighted community led approaches to reducing crime, including increase social security, volunteer led intervention and more mental health services. Taint highlighted concerns with police response to noise complaints, lack of resources for Ground Search and Rescue and noted distrust with Regional Council responding to community needs. 

Collins Ellison, Halifax spoke to police statistics, lack of policy change for black and indigenous people, increased chances of homelessness and criminalization for diverse individuals. Ellison suggested the Board of Police Commissioners and Halifax Regional Council would be violating international, community and domestic law. Ellison highlighted Canada's homelessness strategy in diverse communities, homelessness rates in HRM, representation of diverse individuals in the prison system, lack of resources for adequate housing and need to fund public housing. Ellison submitted presentation materials to Budget Committee.

Frank Hemfell, District 8 spoke in opposition to the proposed 2025/26 HRP and RCMP HRD budget and noted underfunded community services and mismanagement of the police budget. Hemfell noted engagement challenges with the Board of Police Commissioners and highlighted crime rate statistics. Hemfell encouraged more community engagement, wrap around community services and need for an accessible forum for discussion.

Riley Rhodes, Halifax spoke to services not being adequately funded, including foster services. Rhodes noted police in specific cases and over funding of police services. Rhodes emphasized concerns with the purchase of an ARV, the militarization of police and lack of communication with the community.

6.

Community Safety

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The following was before Budget Committee:

• Staff report dated January 30, 2025

Bill Moore, Commissioner of Public Safety, Chief Ken Stuebing, Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency, Greg O'Malley, Vice-Chair, Board of Police Commissioners for the Halifax Regional Municipality, Chief Don MacLean, Halifax Regional Police and Superintendent Don Moser, Acting Officer in Charge, Royal Canadian Mounted Police Halifax Regional Detachment (RCMP HRD) gave a presentation.

MOVED by Councillor Kent, seconded by Deputy Mayor Mancini

THAT the Budget Committee direct the Chief Administrative Officer to incorporate the Community Safety proposed 2025/26 Budget and Business Plan, as set out and discussed in the accompanying plan and supporting presentation of the staff report dated January 30, 2025, into the Draft 2025/26 Operating Budget.

Moore and Max Chauvin, Director of Housing and Homelessness responded to questions of clarification from Budget Committee.

MOVED by Councillor Cuttell, seconded by Councillor Kent

THAT the motion be amended to add a new section that reads:

2. Include an increase of $463,800 to implement the contracted community crisis diversion pilot service as outlined in Briefing Note BN003 within the proposed 2025/26 Community Safety budget to the Budget Adjustment List as an operating over budget option for consideration.

Moore, Jerry Blackwood, Executive Director of Finance & Asset Management/Chief Financial Officer and Tyler Higgins, Manager of Budget & Reserves responded to questions of clarification from Budget Committee.

The meeting recessed at 3:57 p.m. on February 12, 2025. 

The meeting reconvened at 10:03 a.m. on February 14, 2025. 

MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED. (10 in favour, 1 against) 

In favour: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon, Councillors Kent, Austin, White, Hinch, Morse, Steele, Hartling, Young, Gillis

Against: Councillor Purdy

Not present: Mayor Fillmore, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Hendsbee, Cleary, Cuttell, St-Amand

Moore, Blackwood, Chauvin, Leticia Smillie, Food Policy Strategist and Lilian Ash, Manager of Programming & Partnerships responded to questions of clarification from Budget Committee. 

MOVED by Councillor Purdy, seconded by Councillor Hartling

THAT the motion be amended to add a new section that reads: 

3. Provide a briefing note outlining saving for freezing all proposed new full-time employees (FTE’s), except for Crossing Guards, outlined in Community Safety’s 2025/26 proposed operating budget as an option under budget on the budget adjustment list (BAL) for Budget Committee to consider in the 2025/26 Budget.

Councillor Purdy proposed including specific FTE titles which reads as: 'proposed Training and Exercise Specialist and Community Outreach Coordinator'. As provided for in section 53 (2) of Administrative Order One, Respecting the Procedures of the Council, the amendment was accepted as friendly.

The motion now read:

MOVED by Councillor Purdy, seconded by Councillor Hartling

THAT the motion be amended to add a new section that reads: 

3. Provide a briefing note outlining saving for freezing hiring the proposed Training and Exercise Specialist and Community Outreach Coordinator FTE outlined in Community Safety’s 2025/26 proposed operating budget as an option under budget on the budget adjustment list (BAL) for Budget Committee to consider in the 2025/26 Budget.

MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED. (11 in favour, 3 against) 

In favour: Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Hendsbee, Purdy, Austin, White, Morse, Steele, Hartling, Young, Gillis, St-Amand

Against: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon, Councillors Kent, Hinch

Not present: Mayor Fillmore, Councillors Cleary, Cuttell

Moore responded to questions of clarification from Budget Committee. 

MOVED by Councillor Kent, seconded by Councillor Austin

THAT the motion be amended to add a new section that reads: 

4. Include an increase of $1,650,000 for a top up to drop in centre funding and after-hours individualized mobile engagement team as outlined in Briefing Note BN001 within the proposed 2025/26 Community Safety budget to the Budget Adjustment List as an operating over budget option for consideration. 

Chauvin, Blackwood, Cathie O'Toole, Chief Administrative Officer and John Traves, K.C., CD, Municipal Solicitor/Chief Governance Officer responded to questions of clarification from Budget Committee. 

Councillor Gillis proposed adding '5. Recommend that Halifax Regional Council direct the Mayor to write a letter to the Minister to increase funding and an additional drop-in centre.' As provided for in section 53 (2) of Administrative Order One, Respecting the Procedures of the Council, the amendment was accepted as friendly.

The motion now read:

MOVED by Councillor Kent, seconded by Councillor Austin

THAT the motion be amended to add a new section that reads: 

4. Include an increase of $1,650,000 for a top up to drop in centre funding and after-hours individualized mobile engagement team as outlined in Briefing Note BN001 within the proposed 2025/26 Community Safety budget to the Budget Adjustment List as an operating over budget option for consideration; and 

5. Recommend that Halifax Regional Council direct the Mayor to write a letter to the Minister to increase funding and an additional drop-in centre. 

As provided for in section 90 of Administrative Order One, Respecting the Procedures of the Council, the motion was separated for voting purposes.

MOVED by Councillor Kent, seconded by Councillor Austin

THAT the motion be amended to add a new section that reads: 

4. Include an increase of $1,650,000 for a top up to drop in centre funding and after-hours individualized mobile engagement team as outlined in Briefing Note BN001 within the proposed 2025/26 Community Safety budget to the Budget Adjustment List as an operating over budget option for consideration; and 

MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED. (15 in favour, 1 against) 

In favour: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Hendsbee, Kent, Austin, White, Hinch, Cleary, Morse, Cuttell, Steele, Hartling, Young, Gillis, St-Amand

Against: Councillor Purdy

Not present: Mayor Fillmore

The motion now read:

MOVED by Councillor Kent, seconded by Councillor Austin

THAT the motion be amended to add a new section that reads: 

5. Recommend that Halifax Regional Council direct the Mayor to write a letter to the Minister to increase funding and an additional drop-in centre. 

MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED. (10 in favour, 6 against) 

In favour: Councillors Hendsbee, Kent, Purdy, White, Hinch,  Morse, Cuttell, Young, Gillis, St-Amand

Against: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon,  Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Austin, Cleary, Steele, Hartling

Not present: Mayor Fillmore

Smillie and Chauvin responded to questions of clarification from Budget Committee. 

MOVED by Councillor Cuttell, seconded by Councillor Austin 

THAT the motion be amended to add a new section that reads: 

6. Include an increase of $328,900 for a food security top up – JustFOOD programming as outlined in Briefing Note BN002 within the proposed 2025/26 Community Safety budget to the Budget Adjustment List as an operating over budget option for consideration. 

MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED. (12 in favour, 3 against) 

In favour: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Kent, Austin, White, Hinch, Cleary, Morse, Steele, Young, Gillis, St-Amand

Against: Councillors Purdy, Cuttell, Hartling

Not present: Mayor Fillmore, Councillor Hendsbee

Moore responded to questions of clarification from Budget Committee. 

The question was called on the main motion: 

MOVED by Councillor Kent, seconded by Deputy Mayor Mancini

THAT the Budget Committee:

1. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to Incorporate the Community Safety proposed 2025/26 Budget and Business Plan, as set out and discussed in the accompanying plan and supporting presentation, into the Draft 2025/26 Operating Budget; 

2. Direct the CAO to include an increase of $463,800 to implement the contracted community crisis diversion pilot service as outlined in Briefing Note BN003 within the proposed 2025/26 Community Safety budget to the Budget Adjustment List as an operating over budget option for consideration; 

3. Direct the CAO to provide a briefing note outlining saving for freezing hiring for the proposed Training and Exercise Specialist and Community Outreach Coordinator full time equivalent (FTE) outlined in Community Safety’s 2025/26 proposed operating budget as an option under budget on the budget adjustment list (BAL) for Budget Committee to consider in the 2025/26 Budget;

4. Direct the CAO to include an increase of $1,650,000 for a top up to drop in centre funding and after-hours individualized mobile engagement team as outlined in Briefing Note BN001 within the proposed 2025/26 Community Safety budget to the Budget Adjustment List as an operating over budget option for consideration; and 

5. Recommend that Halifax Regional Council direct the CAO to write a letter to the Minister to increase funding and an additional drop-in centre; and 

6. Include an increase of $328,900 for a food security top up – JustFOOD programming as outlined in Briefing Note BN002 within the proposed 2025/26 Community Safety budget to the Budget Adjustment List as an operating over budget option for consideration. 

MOTION AS AMENDED PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Mayor Fillmore, Councillor Hendsbee

7.

Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency

This item has Video

The following was before Budget Committee:

• Staff report dated January 30, 2025
• Correspondence from Brendan Meagher

MOVED by Deputy Mayor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Gillis

THAT the Budget Committee direct the Chief Administrative Officer to incorporate the Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency proposed 2025/26 Budget and Business Plan, as set out and discussed in the accompanying plan and supporting presentation of the staff report dated January 30, 2025, into the Draft 2025/26 Operating Budget. 

Chief Ken Stuebing, Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency, Isaac Amusan, Financial Business Partner and Deputy Chief David Meldrum, Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency responded to questions of clarification from Budget Committee.

MOVED by Councillor Cleary, seconded by Deputy Mayor Mancini

THAT the motion be amended to add a new section that reads: 

2. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to provide a briefing note on covering firefighters for cancer screening to be considered as an option over budget on the budget adjustment list (BAL) for Budget Committee to consider in the 2025/26 Budget. The briefing note should contain an assessment of the appropriate tenure of firefighters for coverage, frequency of screening, mechanisms and options for funding, whether the program should be established as a pilot or permanent program, and its development should contain input from the union and volunteer firefighter coordinator.

MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Mayor Fillmore, Councillor Hendsbee

MOVED by Councillor Hartling, seconded by Councillor Kent

THAT the motion be amended to add a new section that reads: 

3. Include an increase of $65,000 to increase staffing by ten FTE Firefighters and include a one-time increase of $150,000 for required uniforms and personal protective equipment to ten FTE Firefighters as outlined in Briefing Note BN004 within the proposed 2025/26 Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency budget to the Budget Adjustment List as an operating over budget option for consideration.

Chief Stuebing, Deputy Chief Meldrum, Deputy Chief Andrews and Deputy Chief Corey Beals, Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency responded to questions of clarification from Budget Committee.

MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED. (13 in favour, 2 against) 

In favour: Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Kent, Purdy, Austin, White, Hinch, Cleary, Morse, Steele, Hartling, Young, Gillis, St-Amand

Against: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon, Councillor Cuttell

Not present: Mayor Fillmore, Councillor Hendsbee

Deputy Chief Andrews, HRFE Deputy Chief Meldrum, HRFE, Deputy Chief Beals, HRFE and Blackwood responded to questions of clarification from Budget Committee.

The question was called on the main motion:

MOVED by Deputy Mayor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Gillis

THAT the Budget Committee: 

1. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to incorporate the Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency proposed 2025/26 Budget and Business Plan, as set out and discussed in the accompanying plan and supporting presentation of the staff report dated January 30, 2025, into the Draft 2025/26 Operating Budget; 

2. Provide a briefing note on covering firefighters for cancer screening to be considered as an option over budget on the budget adjustment list (BAL) for Budget Committee to consider in the 2025/26 Budget. The briefing note should contain an assessment of the appropriate tenure of firefighters for coverage, frequency of screening, mechanisms and options for funding, whether the program should be established as a pilot or permanent program, and its development should contain input from the union and volunteer firefighter coordinator; and 

3. Include an increase of $65,000 to increase staffing by ten FTE Firefighters and include a one-time increase of $150,000 for required uniforms and personal protective equipment to ten FTE Firefighters as outlined in Briefing Note BN004 within the proposed 2025/26 Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency budget to the Budget Adjustment List as an operating over budget option for consideration.

MOTION AS AMENDED PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 

Not present: Mayor Fillmore, Councillors Hendsbee, Cuttell

The meeting recessed at 3:50 p.m. on February 14, 2025.

8.

Halifax Regional Police and Royal Canadian Mounted Police Halifax Regional Detachment

This item has Video

The meeting reconvened on February 19, 2025 at 10:33 a.m. 

The following was before Budget Committee:

• Staff report dated January 30, 2025
• Correspondence from Tynan Rhea, Brian Sauvé, Adrian Peace-Williams, Nicole Corrado, Sara MacCallum, Carmel Farahbakhsh, Collins Ellison, Douglas Mutch

Chief Don MacLean, Halifax Regional Police (HRP) provided introductions. 

MOVED by Councillor Kent, seconded by Councillor Steele

THAT the Budget Committee: 

1. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to incorporate the Halifax Regional Police (HRP) proposed 2025/26 Budget and Business Plan, as set out and discussed in the accompanying plan and supporting presentation of the staff report dated January 30, 2025, into the Draft 2025/26 Operating Budget;  

2. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to incorporate the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Halifax Regional Detachment (RCMP HRD) proposed 2025/26 Budget and Business Plan, as set out and discussed in the accompanying plan and supporting presentation of the staff report dated January 30, 2025, into the Draft 2025/26 Operating Budget; and  

3. Include an estimated increase of $2,837,400 (pro-rated at $1,418,700 for 2025/26) for fourteen RCMP HRD regular member positions as outlined in Attachment 4 – RCMP HRD Resource Request of the staff report dated January 30, 2025 within the proposed 2025/26 RCMP budget to the Budget Adjustment List as an expense over budget option for consideration. 

Chief MacLean, Superintendent Greg Roberston, HRP, Deputy Chief Dean Simmons, HRP, Craig Horton, Financial Business Partner, Jerry Blackwood, Executive Director of Finance & Asset Management/Chief Financial Officer and Bill Moore, Commissioner of Public Safety responded to questions of clarification from Budget Committee.

John Traves, K.C., CD, Executive Director of Legal & Legislative Services/Municipal Solicitor/Chief Governance Officer outlined procedural implications as outlined by-law P-100, the Police Board By-Law. 

MOVED by Councillor Cleary, seconded by Councillor Cuttell

THAT Budget Committee defer a decision on the Halifax Regional Police budget and business plan as per item 1 of the motion and refer that back to Board of Police Commissioners for review to consider:

a) A reduction of $462,300 (equivalent to the Service Enhancements identified in the HRP budget submission) and;

b) $847,585.34 (equivalent to estimated costs of staffing, DEMS, BWCs, and In-Car Cameras in the 2025-26 Budget for HRP and consider these as options under budget on the budget adjustment list (BAL)).

Traves responded to questions of clarification from Budget Committee. 

As provided for in section 90 of Administrative Order One, Respecting the Procedures of the Council, the motion was separated for voting purposes.

MOVED by Councillor Cleary, seconded by Councillor Cuttell

THAT Budget Committee defer a decision on the Halifax Regional Police budget and business plan as per item 1 of the motion and refer that back to Board of Police Commissioners for review to consider:

a) a reduction of $462,300 (equivalent to the Service Enhancements identified in the HRP budget submission) and;

MOTION TO DEFER PUT AND DEFEATED. (5 in favour, 12 against) 

In favour: Councillors Austin, White, Hinch, Cleary, Cuttell

Against: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon, Mayor Fillmore, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Hendsbee, Kent, Purdy, Morse, Steele Hartling, Young, Gillis, St-Amand

MOVED by Councillor Cleary, seconded by Councillor Cuttell

THAT Budget Committee defer a decision on the Halifax Regional Police budget and business plan as per item 1 of the motion and refer that back to Board of Police Commissioners for review to consider:

b) $847,585.34 (equivalent to estimated costs of staffing, DEMS, BWCs, and In-Car Cameras in the 2025-26 Budget for HRP and consider these as options under budget on the budget adjustment list (BAL).

MOTION TO DEFER PUT AND DEFEATED. (5 in favour, 12 against) 

In favour: Councillors Austin, White, Hinch, Cleary, Cuttell

Against: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon, Mayor Fillmore, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Hendsbee, Kent, Purdy, Morse, Steele, Hartling, Young, Gillis, St-Amand

Superintendent Don Moser, Acting Officer in Charge, Halifax Regional Detachment Royal Canadian Mounted Police (HRD RCMP) and Inspector Jeff Mitchell, Management & Administration Services Officer, HRD RCMP responded to questions of clarification from Budget Committee. 

The question was called on the main motion:

MOVED by Councillor Kent, seconded by Councillor Steele

THAT the Budget Committee: 

1. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to incorporate the Halifax Regional Police (HRP) proposed 2025/26 Budget and Business Plan, as set out and discussed in the accompanying plan and supporting presentation of the staff report dated January 30, 2025, into the Draft 2025/26 Operating Budget;  

2. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to incorporate the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Halifax Regional Detachment (RCMP HRD) proposed 2025/26 Budget and Business Plan, as set out and discussed in the accompanying plan and supporting presentation of the staff report dated January 30, 2025, into the Draft 2025/26 Operating Budget; and  

3. Include an estimated increase of $2,837,400 (pro-rated at $1,418,700 for 2025/26) for fourteen RCMP HRD regular member positions as outlined in Attachment 4 – RCMP HRD Resource Request of the staff report dated January 30, 2025 within the proposed 2025/26 RCMP budget to the Budget Adjustment List as an expense over budget option for consideration. 

MOTION PUT AND PASSED. (14 in favour, 2 against) 

In favour: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon, Mayor Fillmore, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Hendsbee, Purdy, White, Hinch, Morse, Cuttell, Steele, Hartling, Young, Gillis, St-Amand

Against: Councillors Austin, Cleary

Not present: Councillor Kent

9.

ADJOURNMENT

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The meeting was adjourned at 2:23 p.m. on February 19, 2025.