Quorum is the minimum number of council members who must be present for a meeting to conduct official business and make binding decisions. Provincial legislation typically sets quorum requirements, often at a majority of council members. Without quorum, a meeting cannot proceed with decisions—members may discuss issues but cannot vote. If quorum is lost during a meeting (members leave), proceedings must pause until quorum is restored or the meeting adjourns. Quorum requirements ensure decisions represent a reasonable portion of elected representatives rather than a small minority. Some matters may require more than quorum for valid decisions.