The Ontario government has introduced legislation that would, if passed, strengthen municipal governance and accountability.
Ontario is proposing changes through the Municipal Accountability Act, 2024 that, if passed, 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.
“We had to make sure we got this right, which is why we worked with Ontario’s Integrity Commissioner to find the best path forward to create a standardized code of conduct process across the province,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, in a media release.
“This process will support consistent accountability across our municipalities.”
If passed, the changes would include a penalty of removing and disqualifying a member from office if they are in serious violation of the proposed code, Provincial officials say.
“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, in a media release.
“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 Calandra for getting to this point.”
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, with the exception of the member who is the subject of the report, members whose absence is approved by council or members who have a financial conflict of interest under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, Provincial officials added.
