New Westminster councillors could be reimbursed for child care

Kent Spencer, The Province January 10, 2011 
 Child care expenses could be coming to New Westminster councillors if council adopts the recommendations of a report from its human resources department.  The report, which was taken to council’s committee of the whole on Monday, recommends babysitting expenses be reimbursed for councillors attending officially recognized events such as conferences and seminars.  “The provision ... assists citizens who choose to run for public office with expenses acquired in the performance of their duties,” says director of human resources Joan Burgess in the report to council.  Remuneration would cover up to a maximum of $40 a day and would likely cost the city about $500 a year.  The proposal was requested by council after a review of child care reimbursements in other Metro Vancouver cities; staff were requested to develop a policy similar to Delta’s. The report recommends that public input be sought if council adopts the recommendations.