The Ontario government is re-introducing legislation that should strengthen municipal governance and accountability.
Ontario is proposing changes that would enable the creation of a new, standardized municipal code of conduct, an integrity commissioner inquiry process that would be consistent throughout the province, and mandatory code of conduct training for members of council and certain local boards.
“Strong local governance begins with accountability,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “People across Ontario trust their members of council to uphold high standards for how they conduct themselves and address the decisions before them. We have worked closely with Ontario’s Integrity Commissioner to provide municipal leaders with new tools and resources to deliver good government.”
North Bay is no stranger to code of conduct controveries and integrity commissioner investigations.
See: City councillor faces penalty for code of conduct breaches
And: City solicitor to Integrity Commissioner: your advice on our Code of Conduct rules 'not required'
And: Are city council code-of-conduct investigations worth the cost and bother?
Changes would include a penalty of removing and disqualifying a member from office if they are in serious violation of the code. Removal and disqualification could only occur upon the recommendation of the municipal integrity commissioner, a concurring report from the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario, and a unanimous vote of council.
“Municipal councils in Ontario have asked for legislation that holds elected officials to a higher standard of accountability,” said Robin Jones, AMO President and Mayor of Westport. “If passed, this bill would deliver on ensuring that as members of council, we are living up to the trust that residents put in us. We commend Minister Flack for getting to this point.”
