The issue came up locally when Cochrane council withdrew an earlier resolution after the province clarified the lawCOCHRANE — The province has made it clear strong mayor powers cannot be used during a municipal lame duck period. The change means mayors with strong mayor powers will face the same restrictions as the rest of council during a lame duck period. Article contentThe province made the clarification by amending the Municipal Act after some municipalities asked about how the legislation applies during the election period. Clerk Cassandra Child said council originally believed strong mayor powers could still be used during a lame duck period. A lame duck period is triggered when fewer than three-quarters of an outgoing council can be re-elected and/or if fewer than 75 percent of the current council is re-elected.