Integrity Commissioner investigating Councillor’s breach of Code of Conduct

I recognize and respect the reaction from the community related to matters of concern at the April 4th Council meeting.

In consultation with the Integrity Commissioner, an expedited investigation has commenced. We’re at the preliminary stage of the process.

Following conclusion of the investigative review, the sequence of events and facts associated with the April 4 meeting will be presented in an open public meeting of Council.

The following information is presented to provide awareness on the authority of Councils under the Municipal Act, 2001, the main statute governing the creation, administration, and government of municipalities in Ontario.

Elected members of Council are not employees of the Municipality of Kincardine. In Ontario, the Municipal Act, 2001 requires municipalities to establish a Code of Conduct for members of Council, as well as a policy for Council-staff relations.

A Code of Conduct expresses expectations for a councillor’s respectful decorum and serves as a reference guide on ethical behaviour. An Integrity Commissioner provides advice to Council around adherence to the Code of Conduct and looks into complaints regarding breaches by members of Council.

The role of the Integrity Commissioner is to help ensure that members of Council perform their functions in accordance with the Code of Conduct and other procedures, rules or policies governing their ethical behaviour. When a complaint is filed, the Integrity Commissioner reviews the situation to determine if a member of Council has breached the Code of Conduct.

The Integrity Commissioner will present a report to Council in open session regarding the findings of their inquiry and recommendations. Upon hearing the report, Council may impose either of the following penalties upon a member of Council:

1. A reprimand.
2. Suspension of the remuneration paid to the member in respect of his or her services as a member of Council for a period of up to 90 days.

Thank you for your continued patience throughout this process.

                                      … Mayor Gerry Glover