Council Code of Conduct

The Municipal Act in Ontario permits a municipal council to establish a Code of Conduct for its members of Council.  That Code, together with provincial law, sets out the ethical standards of behaviour for members of Council to: 

►   protect the public interest

►   encourage high ethical standards among municipal council members,

►   provide a universal understanding of the fundamental rights, privileges, and obligations of municipal council members,

►   provide a means for municipal Council members to obtain authorization for some contemplated conduct in circumstances where they are uncertain as to the ethical appropriateness of that conduct

►   set out recommendations to Council on how to address unethical conduct. 

Municipal Council members hold positions of privilege and trust.  Therefore, they must discharge their duties in a manner that recognizes a fundamental commitment to the well-being of the community and regard for the integrity of the Corporation.

The Town of Parry Sound approved a Council Code of Conduct in August of 2010 and amended the Council Code of Conduct in November of 2011.  All elected officials (the Mayor and Councillors) are subject to the Council Code of Conduct.

Integrity Commissioner

The Municipal Act also permits Council to appoint an Integrity Commissioner who performs specified functions regarding the application of the Council Code of Conduct which applies to all members of Council to promote accountability and transparency in municipal governance.  Council for the Town of Parry Sound has appointed Suzanne Craig Integrity Commissioner Bio as its Integrity Commissioner for the period from November 16^th, 2011 to November 16^th, 2012.  By-law 2011-6044
 

The Integrity Commissioner’s role is to:

  ►   Keep elected officials aware of the requirements of the Code;

 ►   Respond to requests from members of Council for advice regarding their obligations and compliance;

 ►   Conduct inquiries and investigations into alleged contraventions of the Code, make decisions and impose 
      penalties where she finds that the Code has been breached; and

 ►   Report annually to Council on the activities of the Office.

Formal Complaint Form

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Integrity Commissioner get involved?

The Council, or any member of Council or a member or members of the public may request the Integrity Commissioner to launch an inquiry by submitting the Formal Complaint Form and, if necessary in the Commissioner’s opinion, an investigation will be launched into an alleged contravention of the Code by an individual member or members of Council.

What is the extent of the Integrity Commissioner’s Authority?

The Code sets out the scope of the Integrity Commissioner’s authority and describes several types of
complaints that would be covered by existing legislation, and therefore not subject to the Integrity Commissioner’s mandate. The first step in the process will involve the Integrity Commissioner determining whether the complaint falls within her mandate.

For example, an allegation that may involve a contravention of the Criminal Code of Canada is a police matter, and would not be investigated by the Integrity Commissioner.  Likewise, the Integrity Commissioner would not consider a complaint of alleged conflict of interest involving a Member of Council because a process is provided under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.

The Integrity Commissioner, in conducting her inquiry and investigation, has the power to review all pertinent Town files and records that have a bearing on the allegation, and access to anyone who is relevant to the complaint.

On completion of her inquiry and investigation, the Commissioner will submit a final report to the Council, outlining her findings, the terms of any settlement of the complaint, recommended corrective action, and/or penalty imposed.

Who can file a complaint?

Members of the public, as well as Members of Council, can file a complaint under the Code.

What is the process for filing a complaint?

Members of the public and/or Council can file a complaint by following the Code and completing a Formal Complaint Form.  The complaint is filed with the Clerk, or designate, the Deputy Clerk.  There is no fee to file a formal complaint.


How is the complaint investigated?

The elected official is given a copy of the complaint and asked to respond in writing to the complaint, with a copy of this response being provided to the complainant.  The process may include an interview with anyone considered relevant to the complaint by the Integrity Commissioner.  Within 90 days of filing the complaint, the Integrity Commissioner submits a report to Council, detailing any contravention of the Code and any recommendations, corrective action and/or penalty.


Does the Integrity Commissioner investigate complaints about Town employees?

The Integrity Commissioner does not have any authority over Town employees.  The activities of the Integrity Commissioner relate to the Council Code of Conduct.


Can an anonymous complaint be filed?

The Code of Conduct makes no provision for anonymous complaints

How is the public informed of the Commissioner’s activity?

The Integrity Commissioner is required to submit a final report regarding a complaint to Council and shall submit an annual report on complaints filed.  These reports may be obtained through the Town’s website or by contacting the Deputy Clerk at jboggs@townofparrysound.com or call 705-746-2101 Ext. 224.

To submit comments by
email click: ic@townofparrysound.com
or call:  (705) 746-2101 Extension 300

Mayor's New Year's Levee 2012 - Royal Canadian Legion

Download the speech in PDF format here.

2011 - Order of Parry Sound Recipient - Jim MacCoubrey

This year's recipient of the Order of Parry Sound was Jim MacCoubrey.  Congratulations!