Integrity Commissioner & Code of Conduct

Integrity Commissioner

The Integrity Commissioner is an independent and impartial position reporting directly to Council. The Integrity Commissioner carries out the following core functions:

• Advisory Role: The Integrity Commissioner provides confidential written and oral advice to the Mayor and Councillors about their own situations respecting the Code of Conduct for Members of Council and other by-laws, policies and procedures governing ethical behaviour, including general advice about the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. The Integrity Commissioner also provides opinions and reports to Council on issues of ethics and integrity.
• Investigative Role: Complaints about breaches of the Code of Conduct are made to the Integrity Commissioner pursuant to the Council approved Complaint procedure. Complaints can be dealt with through a formal or informal process. When carrying out a formal complaint investigation, the Commissioner can summon evidence and examine witnesses under oath. Should the Integrity Commissioner find a contravention, they can recommend various penalties for imposition by Council. The available penalties range from suspension of remuneration to a reprimand or apology.
• Educational Role: The Integrity Commissioner is responsible for providing educational programs to Council Members and staff. This is carried out in group settings, one-on-one meetings, and annual reporting.

Council Code of Conduct

The Council Code of Conduct helps to ensure that members of Council engage and debate using acceptable conduct. These standards should serve to enhance public confidence that the Municipality’s elected representatives conduct Council business in a civil and courteous manner.

The Code of Conduct is administered by the Township’s Integrity Commissioner. An Integrity Commissioner has the power to conduct an inquiry in respect of a request made by Council, a member of Council or a member of the public about whether a member of Council or a local board has contravened the applicable Code of Conduct.

If you believe that a member of Council has breached the Code of Conduct, you may request an investigation by the Integrity Commissioner. To file a Code of Conduct complaint to the Integrity Commissioner, use the links below.

Declaration of Interest Registry

The Municipal Conflict of Interest Act requires that every municipality establish and maintain a registry of all declarations made by members at a Council, Committee or Board meeting.

All members must submit their disclosures of pecuniary interest in writing to the Clerk or immediately following the meeting during which they verbally disclose an interest using the Declaration of Pecuniary Interest form. Below are links to annual summaries for the current Council. Visit our document portal to access forms for previous Councils.

• Declarations of Pecuniary Interest - 2022
• Declarations of Pecuniary Interest - 2023
• Declarations of Pecuniary Interest - 2024
• Declarations of Pecuniary Interest - 2025