MAPLETON – Guy Giorno, a consultant with Fasken Martineau Dumoulin LLP, has been reappointed as integrity commissioner for the Township of Mapleton.
Giorno, the township’s integrity commissioner since 2018, was reappointed to the position for a four-year term at the March 21 Mapleton council meeting.
Under the Municipal Act, municipalities are required to appoint an integrity commissioner, who has powers to conduct inquiries about whether members have contravened the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.
Giorno told council he strives to bring “fairness to both sides,” in any investigations conducted.
“I take great pains to proceed in a manner that is absolutely fair and neutral and balanced, hearing from the person who’s making a complaint, hearing from the council member, giving both sides an opportunity to have their say and considering the evidence allowing them to have their say … and then, finally, coming forward with the findings in a report to the council,” he explained.
Integrity commissioners can also provide, upon request, advice to council members on matters related to their mandate.
Councillor Michael Martin said he spoke with Giorno on one occasion since being on council and “found the experience very enjoyable.
“I was looking for, I would say, probably precise direction,” Martin said.
“And he was annoyingly diplomatic with the advice that he gave and kind of just provided the resources and advice and allowed me to make my own decision about it.”
Under the township’s agreement with the law firm, Giorno’s services will cost the municipality $325 per hour plus applicable taxes.
For the services of other staff assisting the integrity commissioner, the municipality will be charged $225 per hour plus applicable taxes.
Guy Giorno was recently reappointed as the County of Wellington’s integrity commissioner for a four-year term and also acts in that capacity for other municipalities.
