December 12, 2024
Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) is pleased that the provincial government has introduced legislation on municipal codes of conduct that will create higher levels of accountability – and consequences – for the behaviour of elected councillors.
Today’s Municipal Accountability Act aims to strengthen local governance including establishing a new, standardized municipal code of conduct and integrity commissioner framework. We are pleased the government has listened to the pleas of many voices including OBCM, to strengthen codes of conduct. Our caucus has been calling on the province to strengthen the municipal code of conduct for several years now, including passing several resolutions on this matter. Municipalities and municipal integrity commissioners currently lack the tools to enforce codes of conduct and there have unfortunately been numerous examples of repeated contraventions of codes of conduct, bullying and harassment across the municipal sector. Municipal staff and elected members of council deserve a safe and respectful workplace free from harassment and bullying.
Our Mayors are pleased to see that this legislation will:
- strengthen the municipal code of conduct and integrity commissioner framework
- establish rules so that municipal integrity commissioners and the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario can recommend removal and disqualification
- establish that the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario can consider during its investigation whether the contravention negatively impacts public confidence in a member’s ability to discharge their duties, and, of the council or local board to fulfill its role
We look forward to working with the province during consultations in the new year on the enabling regulations that will come into effect for the new term of councils in 2026.
“Everyone has a right to a respectful workplace, free of harassment and abuse. In fact, our democracy depends on it. We want good people to run for office and work in municipal governments, and we can encourage that by ensuring a respectful workplace and meaningful consequences for those who fall short,” said Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, Mayor of Burlington and Chair of Ontario’s Big City Mayors. “This is important legislation that our mayors have been fighting for, and we are happy to see that the province is addressing the importance of a municipal code of conduct for all municipal councils and staff.”
About Ontario’s Big City Mayors
Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) includes mayors of 29 single and lower-tier cities with a population of 100,000 or more, who collectively represent nearly 70 percent of Ontario’s population. OBCM advocates for issues and policies important to Ontario’s largest cities.
Media Contacts
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, Chair Michelle Baker, Executive Director
chair@obcm.ca michelle@obcm.ca
905-335-7777 647-308-6602