During the latest city council meeting, one of the longest discussions with back-and-forths from across the council chambers was a discussion on a dress code for the City of Estevan's council members. The city has an already-existing dress code, police #2016-61, which lays out how employees of the city should dress, including office, administrative, and operational staff.
The newest addition comes from including the City Council among the office and administrative staff section, which would see a dress code enforced that requires business-casual attire.
The primary point of contention between council members came at the bottom of the section, which stated that "There may be times when formal attire is required, such as city council meetings.". The section does not define what specific clothing counts as formal attire.
Councillor Kirsten Walliser pointed out that the change would mean that formal attire would be required to be worn by all councillors during their city council meetings.
That was agreed upon by Councillor Shelley Veroba, who wanted to see the council look better during their official duties.
"I like the policy, but you're correct, Councillor Walliser, it should be more formal wear in the Council chambers. I believe that we represent the citizens of Estevan, and in order to do that, it's nice if we look presentable in an office setting."
Councillor Matthew Dubowski voiced his disagreement with the policy, though he did note that for specific events, councillors should make an effort to dress in formal style.
"I don't believe that for us to do our jobs and to be respectable, we are required to wear formal wear, I think if we're obviously at events representing Estevan like FCM or SUMA, obviously that's a different scenario, but within Council chambers, I just don't think that it's necessary to require formal."
He pointed to his own polo shirt as an example of being fine for a meeting for the city council, with Councillor Tom Mauss agreeing with Dubowski's sentiment.
"I go along the same lines, I understand it should be clean, it shouldn't have advertising on it, it should be not cut up jeans, things like that, not headwear other than religious or ethnic reasons, but I believe formal, that means shirt and tie, and I find that a little exaggerated for us."
Councillor Dave Elliot was in agreement with the previous two speakers, echoing Dubowski's point that no matter their dress, the council works hard to uphold their integrity and public confidence.
He also had a point regarding wearing jeans, saying that jeans may also be added to the dress code, as so much of Southeast culture is wrapped around those pants.
"I see nothing wrong with blue jeans being included in this, just for the simple reason that in Saskatchewan, multi-million dollar deals are made by people wearing jeans or even coveralls, right, and jeans have become business attire and have been so for, well I'm going to say 40 years that I've been involved in high-level meetings."
Councillor Elliot also stressed the importance of comfortable shoes over well-dressed shoes, as he says wearing ill-fitting shoes can lead to back problems.
As the original motion was simply to adopt the code, accepting the original motion needed to be first voted on before any amendments could be made.
Councillor Walliser made one last comment on how more formal attire could help them change perceptions and connect with some individuals.
"I would like to also mention that when people are in formal attire, there is a noticeable change in how they present themselves and how they are perceived, and I think as elected officials, it is important that we do step into that role, especially when we're meeting with people who also complete their business in formal attire, such as bankers."
The motion was then voted on, with Councillors Walliser, Veroba, and Brian Johnson voting in favour, while Councillors Mauss, Dubowski, Eliiot, and Mayor Tony Sernick all voted against, with the motion not being passed due to it being defeated.