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GERMANY DELEGATION UPDATE
S. Schlichter, Director of Economic and Creative Development provided an update concerning the Invest-Barrie Germany Trade delegation Ms. Schlichter advised that between November 4, 2024 to November 8, 2024 the delegation will be traveling to Zweibrucken, Germany, the state of Baden-Württemberg to visit Stuttgart, Schonach and Freiburg.
Jean Maurice Pigeon advised that he is working Zweibrucken, Germany to prepare the itinerary for the delegations, and he asked the Committee for feedback on sites of interest during their stay. The Committee members provided their suggestions to Mr. Pigeon.
Jean Maurice Pigeon suggested adding an additional Committee member to the official delegation. The Committee discussed and provided their feedback to Mr. Pigeon.
Ms. Schlichter advised that Invest-Barrie Germany Trade delegation will be comprised of staff from Invest Barrie, Mayor Alex Nuttall and Deputy Mayor Robert Thomson who will be traveling as part of the Invest Barrie portfolio, representatives from three businesses and five International Relations Committee members.
The Committee confirmed that the official delegation will be comprised of the following five Committee members:
• Co-Chair, Councillor Jim Harris
• Colin Hassey
• Al Jones
• Wayne Hay
• Jean Maurice Pigeon.
Ms. Schlichter provided a summary of the potential costs associated with the official delegations visit to Germany including transportation, airfare, meals and lodging.
The Committee discussed that in accordance with motion 24-G-180 adopted by City Council on August 14, 2024, the need to increase the approved budget for the official delegation from up to $15,000 to up to $21,000.
The Committee approved an expenditure from the International Relations Committee budget for an amount up to $21,000 for costs associated with the official delegations visit to Germany including transportation, hotel, flights and meals between November 4 to November 8, 2024.
Kelly Watson of Georgian College indicated that the representatives from the college will be traveling Zweibrucken, Germany in September, 2024 and would be interested in visiting the fire college in Germany.
Councillor, J. Harris indicated that there is no separate IRC Travel Policy, and that the Committee follows the provisions of the Reimbursement of Council Expenses Policy.
Further discussion will take place at the next meeting concerning the approach to composition of delegations.