Role of the Integrity Commissioner (IC)
The Integrity Commissioner is an independent and impartial officer that reports directly to Municipal Council and whose powers and duties are set out in the Municipal Act, 2001. The IC is responsible advice and investigation services related to the Code of Conduct for Members of Council, Committees and Local Boards (“Code of Conduct”) as well as the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.
Responsibilities of the Integrity Commissioner:
- Investigate complaints and alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct;
- Investigation applications of alleged contraventions of sections 5. 5.1. and 5.2 of the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act;
- Review the Code of Conduct and Complaint Protocol and make recommendations;
- Provide written advice to individual members of Council, Committees and Local Boards in relation to the Code of Conduct and any procedures, rules and policies of the municipality governing ethical behaviour as well as the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act;
- Provide training and education services for Council, Committees, Local Boards, staff and the public;
- Provide reports to Council, summarizing activities; and
- Such other duties or functions as may be assigned by Council.
Code of Conduct - Complaint Procedure
Any person who has reasonable grounds to believe that a member of Council, Committee or Local Board has breached the Code of Conduct may file a complaint or that a member of Council or a Local Board has contravened section 5, 5.1 or 5.2 of the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act may file an application and request that the Integrity Commissioner conduct an investigation.
Closed Meeting Investigator
The Municipal Act, 2001 permits a municipality to appoint a closed meeting investigator to investigate a complaint as to whether a municipality or local board has complied with section 239 of the statute or its procedure by-law in respect of a meeting or part of a meeting that was closed to the public.
Any person may request such an investigation under Section 239.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001.
Aird & Berlis LLP is the Integrity Commissioner and Closed Meeting Investigator for the Municipality of Thames Centre.
Contact: John Mascarin
T: 416.865.7721
E: jmascarin@airdberlis.com
Administrative Assistant: Katie MacDonald - 416.865.7789, ext. 3169
For Code of Conduct complaints and Municipal Conflict of Interest Act Applications:
Aird & Berlis LLP
Contact: Meghan Cowan
T: 416.865.4722
E: mcowan@airdberlis.com
Administrative Assistant: Hilary Butten - 416.865.7789, ext. 5014