Municipalities are authorized to appoint an Integrity Commissioner to provide advice to Council with respect to the adherence to the Code of Conduct and to undertake inquiries into complaints regarding any breaches to this Code by members of Council. The role of the Integrity Commissioner is to help ensure that members of Council perform their functions in accordance with this Code of Conduct and other procedures, rules or policies governing their ethical behaviour.
An Integrity Commissioner investigation was requested around the actions of Councillor Dave Cuyler following the sequence of events associated with the April 4, 2022, Council meeting. An Integrity Commissioner report was completed by Aird & Berlis LLP dated June 28, 2022 on Code of Conduct Complaints Against Councillor Dave Cuyler. This report was presented to Council this evening, in an open public meeting.
Council received and accepted the report by Aird & Berlis LLP. Council reprimanded Councillor Cuyler for his breach of the Code of Conduct and formally denounced his actions. Council has also suspended Councillor Cuyler’s remuneration for a period of ninety (90) days, as authorized under the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Code.
The Council of the Municipality of Kincardine is committed to achieving the highest standards of conduct in its actions which is essential to maintaining and ensuring public trust and confidence in the Municipality’s decision-making and operations. The Municipality of Kincardine Council members are expected to follow the Code of Conduct and based on this breach I support the decision of Council and recognize the reaction from the community related to matters of concern that occurred at the April 4, 2022 Council meeting.
