In Camera Board Meetings May Not Always Be Private

The Supreme Court of Canada recently held that what happens at in camera meetings may not stay at in camera meetings.

Boards of directors may meet in camera (meaning "in chambers", or privately), in order to discuss particularly sensitive issues, such as legal, personnel, real property, management performance, or labour relations matters, or where personal information about a volunteer, staff member or donor will be disclosed.

Attendance at an in camera meeting may be limited to directors, directors and the CEO, or may include additional staff, the auditor, or others at the invitation of the board. Attendees at such meetings have a duty to keep all discussions and documentation confidential. This duty is usually reinforced by the formality of calling an in camera meeting or resolving to adjourn the public portion of a meeting and reconvening in camera.