TORONTO — The Ontario government is launching consultations with the municipal sector aimed at strengthening accountability for council members.
The province states in a March 5 press release it is striving to ensure councillors and heads of council maintain “a safe and respectful workplace and carry out their duties as elected officials in an ethical and responsible manner.”
“We want to gather input to ensure there are adequate mechanisms in place to hold council members accountable,” said Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark. “It’s critical that everyone feels safe and respected in the workplace, and that they know there are accountability measures in place for members who violate codes of conduct.”
Associate Minister of Children and Women’s Issues Jill Dunlop will be leading the consultations with members of council, municipal associations and municipal staff on how to ensure staff and officials are supported and respected at work.
“Our government has been absolutely clear that we will not tolerate workplace harassment or discrimination of any kind,” said Dunlop. “We are committed to upholding our shared values of respect, equity, equality and fairness for all people in Ontario. These consultations are to help us move that commitment forward in municipal governments so that everyone feels safe.”
Under the Municipal Act, 2001, all municipalities are required to establish a code of conduct for councillors and certain local boards. They are also required to provide access to an integrity commissioner.
