Title
Human Resources Policy C-468 Update
Proposed Motion
That Human Resources Policy C-468 be received for information, as presented.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motion.
Purpose
To update Council on Human Resource policies and present Policy C-468 - Human Resources for Council's consideration, which would replace existing Policy C-HR01.
Summary
In 2020, Council approved an overarching Human Resources Policy (“HR Policy C-HR01”). The policy authorizes the CAO to manage the County’s employees and human resources functions. HR Policy C-HR01 has not been formally reviewed since its approval. Administration has reviewed the policy and is proposing a number of amendments to ensure it continues to align with Council's strategic direction and Administration's vision for human resources, while reinforcing the guiding principles that support our workforce.
As part of the review, Administration has assessed the appropriate level of governance oversight for all Human Resource related Council policies. Through this process, it was determined that several Human Resource Council policies are operational in nature:
- C-HR04 Compensation
- C-HR10 Moving Allowance
- C-HR11 Employee Vacation
- C-HR12 Hours of Work and Overtime
- C-HR13 Employee Benefits
- C-HR23 Staff Training and Development
As the overarching HR Policy C-HR01 authorizes the CAO to manage the County’s employees and human resources functions, these policies are no longer required. Upon approval of revised Human Resource Policy C-468, Administration will recommend that the operational Human Resource policies be rescinded. Any operational and administrative requirements contained within will be transitioned to directives under administrative authority. This approach aligns with governance best practices by enabling Council to focus on strategic direction and outcomes, while providing Administration with the flexibility to efficiently manage operational matters and respond to evolving legislative, organizational, and workforce requirements.
Administration will further recommend that the remaining two Council Human Resource policies continue to fall under Council authority due to their governance significance:
- Safety Policy C-AD46: This policy demonstrates Council's commitment to workplace health, safety, and wellness and supports its oversight and due diligence responsibilities. Annual review and acknowledgement by the Mayor and CAO ensure ongoing accountability. The policy was last reviewed in April 2026.
- Whistleblower Policy C-HR30: Retaining this policy under Council authority preserves Council's direct oversight of matters involving the CAO and reinforces accountability, transparency, and organizational integrity. The policy was last reviewed and approved by Council in May 2026.
Background
In 2020, Council approved Human Resources Policy C-HR01, which provides the overarching governance framework for human resources and authorizes the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to manage the County's employees and human resource functions. As the policy has not undergone a formal review since its approval, Administration conducted a comprehensive review to ensure it remains aligned with Council’s strategic direction, Administration’s vision for human resources, and the guiding principles that support the County’s workforce.
As part of this review, Administration assessed the appropriate level of governance oversight for all Council-approved Human Resource policies. The review determined that several policies are operational in nature and fall within the authority delegated to the CAO through Policy C-HR01. Accordingly, Administration will recommend at a future meeting that these policies be rescinded and that their operational requirements be incorporated into administrative directives. This approach aligns with governance best practices by allowing Council to focus on strategic oversight while enabling Administration to efficiently manage day-to-day human resource matters.
The review also confirmed that Safety Policy C-AD46 and Whistleblower Policy C-HR30 should remain under Council authority due to their governance significance and Council’s oversight responsibilities related to workplace safety, accountability, transparency, and organizational integrity.
Key Amendments to HR Policy C-HR01/C-468
- Integration of our STARS (Service, Teamwork, Attitude, Respect, Safety) values into Human Resource guiding principles
- Expansion of total rewards to reflect a broader employee experience approach
- Strengthened language to reinforce fairness, equity and consistency in all employment practices
- Enhanced governance through formalized administrative directives and procedures, including regular review and shared leadership accountability
- A commitment to ongoing review and continuous improvement of human resource practices.
History
Council approved Human Resources Policy C-HR01 in 2020 to establish the overarching governance framework for human resources and to delegate responsibility for managing the County’s employees and human resource functions to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Since its approval, several Council-approved Human Resource policies have remained in place to guide specific employment-related matters.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
Policies referenced:
- C-HR01 Human Resources Policy
- C-HR04 Compensation Policy
- C-HR10 Moving Allowance Policy
- C-HR11 Employee Vacation Policy
- C-HR12 Hours of Work and Overtime Policy
- C-HR13 Employee Benefits Policy
- C-HR23 Staff Training and Development Policy
- C-AD46 Safety Policy
- C-HR30 Whistleblower Policy