Role of the Integrity Commissioner
Municipalities are required to provide access to an Integrity Commissioner. The Integrity Commissioner’s role is to perform, in an independent manner, the functions assigned by council with respect to:
- applying the local codes of conduct for members of council and certain local boards
- applying local procedures, rules, and policies governing the ethical behavior of members
- applying certain Municipal Conflict of Interest Act (MCIA) rules to members
- requests for advice from members of council and certain local boards respecting their obligations under:
- the local code of conduct applicable to the member
- local procedures, rules or policies governing the ethical behavior of the members
- certain sections of the MCIA
- providing educational information to the public, the municipality and members of council and certain local boards about local codes of conduct for members and about the MCIA
The Commissioner’s functions also include conducting inquiries into requests from council or a local board, a member of council or a board, or a member of the public about whether a member of council or a local board has contravened the applicable code of conduct. If the Commissioner reports that, in their opinion, a member of the council or local board has contravened the code of conduct, the municipality may impose a penalty in the form of a reprimand or a suspension of pay for a period of up to 90 days. It is up to the municipality to decide how to proceed after an Integrity Commissioner’s report. Some municipalities have considered measures that may be outside a code of conduct process, such as requesting an apology and/or removing the member from committees.
See sections 223.1 to 223.24, and 239.2, and the legislation more generally, for more information about these topics.
INTEGRITY COMMISSIONER REPORTS
Report May 10, 2023
Regarding Allegations Against (former) Councillor Andrew St. Jean made by Brian Perala.
Report July 26, 2023 (Revised August 17, 2023)
Regarding Code of Conduct Complaint
FORMS
Complaint Form
Township of Nipigon Appointments
By-Law to Appoint an Integrity Commissioner - Darrell Matson
