Each municipal council is empowered to appoint an integrity commissioner who reports to council and is responsible for performing in an independent manner the functions assigned by the municipality with respect to the application of the code of conduct and of any procedures, rules and policies of the municipality governing the ethical behaviour of members of council and local boards.
The Integrity Commissioner’s Responsibilities
The Integrity Commissioner’s Responsibilities include:
- Conduct inquiries upon complaint for Municipal Conflict of Interest Act and Code of Conduct matters
- Provide advice to members of Council and local boards regarding their obligations under the Code of Conduct and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act
- Provide educational information to the public, the municipality and members of Council and local boards about the Code of Conduct and Municipal Conflict of Interest Act
The duties and responsibilities of the Integrity Commissioner are further detailed in Section 223 of the Municipal Act, 2001. It is the responsibility of the Integrity Commissioner to report directly to the Council of the Corporation of the Township of South Algonquin.
Integrity Commissioner
Tony Fleming
Cunningham, Swan, Carty, Little & Bonham LLP
To initiate a complaint or to seek advice from the Integrity Commissioner, please e-mail tfleming@cswan.com
The Township of South Algonquin, has appointed Tony Fleming as the Integrity Commissioner for the municipality and authorizes him to conduct inquiries upon complaint for rules governing ethical behaviour of members of Council and Local Boards as they pertain to the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act and Code of Conduct.
Core Functions of the Integrity Commissioner
Advisory Role
The Integrity Commissioner provides confidential written and oral advice to the Mayor, Councillors and Committee appointees (as applicable) about their own situations respecting the “Township of South Algonquin Code of Conduct for Members of Council” (Code of Conduct) and other by-laws, policies and procedures governing ethical behavior, 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 or contraventions to the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act (MCIA) are made to the Integrity Commissioner pursuant to the Council approved Complaint Protocol. Complaints can be dealt with through a formal or informal process both of which are outlined within “Township of South Algonquin Code of Conduct for Members of Council” page 32; Council Code of Conduct Complaint Protocol. When carrying out a formal complaint investigation, the Commissioner can summon evidence and examine witnesses under oath.
Complaints must be sent directly to the Integrity Commissioner using the Code of Conduct Complaint Form which is Schedule A of the Township of South Algonquin.
Should an 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 members of Council and Committees (as applicable). This is carried out in group settings, one-on-one meetings, annual reporting and through this web page.
Municipal Conflict of Interest Act
Public Registry of Pecuniary Interest
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest February 12, 2020 2020-02-12
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest February 12, 2020 2020-02-12
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest May 20, 2020 2020-05-20
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest May 20, 2020 2020-05-20
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest July 8, 2020 2020-07-08
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest May 5, 2021 2021-05-05
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest July 7, 2021 2021-07-07
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest January 21, 2022 2022-01-21
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest February 2, 2022 2022-02-02
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest March 1, 2023 2023-03-01
Integrity Commissioner Annual Reports
Integrity Commissioner Annual Report 2021 2021-10-27
Integrity Commissioner Investigations
None at this time.
Complaint Filing Process
Any individual who identifies or witnesses behaviour or activity by a sitting Member of Council or a Local Board that they believe is in contravention of the Code of Conduct for Members of Council or the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act may file a formal complaint with the following conditions:
- A request for an investigation of a complaint that a member has contravened the Code of Conduct (the “complaint”) shall be sent directly to the Integrity Commissioner by E-mail substantially in the form attached to this Protocol as Schedule “A”.
- A complaint shall set out reasonable and probable grounds for the allegation that the member has contravened the Code. 37 The complaint should include the name of the member, the provision of the Code allegedly contravened, facts constituting the alleged contravention, the names and contact information of witnesses, and contact information for the complainant during normal business hours.
Municipal Conflict of Interest Act
Documents
By-law 18-580 Code of Conduct for Elected or Appointed Officials 2018-10-04Complaint Form – Code of Conduct 2018-10-04