M.L. implements social media policy for its accounts and staff

To help establish a consistent social media presence, council approved a policy to govern Meadow Lake’s accounts and the appropriate use of employees’ personal accounts.

Diana Burton, city manager said the city recognizes social media as a tool to share information and promote public engagement while pushing people to meadowlake.ca for the release of civic information.

“The pool wanted to create a Facebook page for themselves then at some point the fire department might want to and we just wanted to clarify how best to do that and utilize the media to its fullest potential,” she said.

Accounts would mainly be used as an alternative communication option for residents. Primarily the sites will share city information with the public and respond to public inquiries. Requests for postings or sharing information from external organizations will not be approved unless it is considered to be in the best interest of residents to do so.

“Say the RM was in a state of emergency and they needed to get the word out there we would authorize the post on our Facebook page. If our RCMP detachment wanted us to post something we would do that. We would need to see it as being a benefit to the community as a whole,” Burton said.

Missing Girl

Have you seen Savannah?

4h ago

Missing person

Spiritwood RCMP searching for missing woman

6h ago

Riding boundaries changing

MP Gary Vidal announces he won't seek re-election

Apr 23, 2024

“What we won’t be using it for is to advertise for community groups, regardless of whether they’re non-profit or sports. It’s to get critical information out as quickly as possible to as many people as possible.”

Burton said she will make every effort to respond to all inquiries within one business day but time sensitive inquiries should be submitted by phone, email or in person.

She also said the purpose of the policy was to monitor city employees’ Facebook feeds

“Employees are also expected to adhere to the city’s code of conduct and workplace policies. Therefore, inappropriate postings including, but not limited to, discriminatory remarks, harassment, disclosure of confidential information, and threats of violence or similar inappropriate and unlawful conduct may be grounds for disciplinary action,” she said adding department heads will be responsible for ensuring staff understand and follow the policy.

cswiderski@jpbg.ca

On twitter: @coltonswiderski