In a move that signals growing attention to fiscal accountability, qathet Regional District directors have launched a comprehensive review of their travel expense policies, with potential changes that could significantly impact how elected officials are compensated for their duties beyond regional boundaries.
The issue emerged during the January 25 regional board meeting when Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne raised concerns about the current reimbursement structure. Gisborne, who has repeatedly advocated for greater transparency in local governance, highlighted what he perceives as inequities in the existing travel allowance system.
“The current policy creates an uneven playing field for directors representing more distant areas,” Gisborne noted during deliberations. “Some directors are essentially subsidizing their public service while others are adequately compensated for similar work.”
The board ultimately decided to direct staff to prepare a detailed report examining potential alternatives to the current travel reimbursement policy. This decision follows months of informal discussions about whether the existing framework fairly accommodates the varied geographic realities faced by different directors.
At the heart of the debate is whether the regional district should implement a universal travel allowance system or maintain the current model that provides compensation based on actual expenses incurred. The existing policy has been criticized for potentially disadvantaging directors who must travel significant distances to fulfill their duties.
Chief Administrative Officer Al Radke confirmed that staff will undertake a thorough analysis, including benchmarking against other regional districts with similar geographic challenges. “We’ll be looking at best practices across comparable jurisdictions in British Columbia to ensure our approach is both fair and fiscally responsible,” Radke explained.
The financial implications of any policy change remain unclear, though preliminary estimates suggest adjustments could impact the annual budget by several thousand dollars. Directors emphasized that any revised policy must balance fair compensation with responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds.
This review comes amid a broader provincial conversation about rural representation and the unique challenges faced by elected officials serving expansive, less populated areas. Similar discussions have emerged in regional districts across British Columbia, reflecting the complex balance between ensuring equitable access to governance and maintaining fiscal discipline.
Electoral Area C director Clay Brander supported the review but cautioned against hasty changes. “We need to ensure that any revised policy recognizes the real costs associated with serving our communities without creating unnecessary administrative burden,” Brander commented.
The staff report is expected to be presented at an upcoming Committee of the Whole meeting, with potential recommendations for policy amendments to follow. Any substantive changes would require formal approval by the full board before implementation.
As regional governments across British Columbia continue to navigate post-pandemic fiscal realities, how should citizens weigh the importance of fair compensation for their elected representatives against the ever-present need for budget restraint?
