Municipal councils, local boards and their committees must meet behind closed doors on occasion to deal with matters. For example, if a municipality is involved in legal proceedings or if Council is considering purchasing a piece of land or if Council must deal with a labour relations issue then it is appropriate that it be able to do so at a closed meeting. The purpose of such a closed meeting is to receive information or give direction.
Local government in Ontario must be transparent and accountable. To this end, the Province has set the rules for a council, local board or a committee to go into a closed meeting. The rules governing closed meetings can be found in section 239 of the Municipal Act, 2001 and are strictly followed.