Register of Disclosure
Declaration of Interest: Municipal Conflict of Interest Act

Effective March 1, 2019, as per the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, members of council, boards and committees are required to declare a pecuniary and/or conflict of interest and submit a form to the Clerk advising of the same. Such declarations are also noted in the approved Meeting Minutes, as has been the practice.

Pecuniary Interest Guidelines

Legislation: The Municipal Conflict of Interest Act sets out the provisions of pecuniary interest. Understanding these provisions allows Council members to perform their public duties in compliance with legislation.

Pecuniary Interest: Members must disclose a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in matters that are before Council for consideration. Although not defined in the Act, the dictionary defines pecuniary as "relating to money". The direct interest relates to the private members interest (directly profiting or losing money), while indirect interests are public. For example, a Councillor employed by the province indirectly has interest in the province (a public interest). Pecuniary interest of a spouse, child or parent of a member is also deemed to be an interest.

Procedures for Disclosure: If a matter comes before Council that a member believes he or she has a pecuniary interest in, there are clear procedures to follow. The member should:

1. Declare the pecuniary interest at the commencement of a Council meeting. When the matter of pecuniary interest is before Council, leave the meeting room until discussion and voting on the matter are concluded.
2. Refrain from attempting in any way whether before, during or after the meeting to influence the voting on any such matter.
3. Return to the meeting after the matter has been discussed and a decision has been made.
4. Complete and submit the Declaration of Interest Form to the Clerk on the same day the matter is before Council.
5. The Clerk will maintain a Register of Disclosure on the Township’s website.

These procedures apply to all regular and special meetings of Council.

Vote Implications: When pecuniary interest has been declared, the member of Council making the declaration must refrain from voting. Quorum is then established with the remaining members. For example: In a five-member Council, if one member of Council declares a pecuniary interest then quorum is established with the remaining four members.

Additional details can be obtained from the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.M.50.