INTEGRITY COMMISSIONER
The Integrity Commissioner performs his duties on an as needed basis, and does not have a permanent office in the Township of Ignace.
ROLE OF THE INTEGRITY COMMISSIONER
The Integrity Commissioner helps ensure Members of Council, Local Boards and Committees:
• Conform to a high ethical standard,
• Adhere to the Township of Ignace By-Law 11.2021 Code of Conduct for Members of Municipal Council, Local Boards and Committees and any other applicable Township procedures, rules or policies.
The Integrity Commissioner reports directly to Council and performs four basic roles:
1. Advisory
Provides advice to Council to prevent potential violations of the Code of Conduct.
Reviews the Code of Conduct to ensure it meets the needs of Council.
Provides advice to the public on matters relating to the conduct of Council.
2. Education
Educates members of Council on the Code of Conduct and integrity.
Educates the public on the expected conduct of the members of Council through the development of a website.
3. Complaint investigation
Assesses complaints from the public to determine their validity.
Investigates valid complaints.
Reports the results of the investigations to Council and the public.
4. Complaint adjudication
Determines whether a member of Council has violated a Township protocol, by-law or policy governing ethical behaviour.
Administers appropriate discipline as outlined in the By-Law for members found in violation of the Code of Conduct.
Reports the results of an investigation through Council.
AUTHORITY OF THE INTEGRITY COMMISSIONER
The Integrity Commissioner has authority over members of Council and enforces the Code of Conduct. The Integrity Commissioner does not have jurisdiction over the rules of procedure; that falls to the Ontario Ombudsman.
The Integrity Commissioner also does not have jurisdiction over the conduct of Township employees or the conduct of members of committees who are not members of Council.
There are other types of complaints where the Integrity Commissioner does not have authority because they are covered by existing legislation or regulatory mechanisms such as an allegation that may involve a contravention of the Criminal Code of Canada. This is a police matter.
MAKING A COMPLAINT
Informal Complaint
If you think a Member of Council, Local Board or Committee is not following the Code of Conduct, you may:
1. Advise the Member that their behaviour or activity contravenes the Code of Conduct for Council;
2. Encourage the Member to stop the prohibited behaviour or activity;
3. If applicable, confirm to the Member your satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the Member's response to the concern identified;
4. If you are not satisfied with the response received through the informal process, you may proceed with a formal complaint through the Integrity Commissioner.
Formal Complaint
The Township of Ignace did on 13 December 2021, via By-Law 108.2021, appoint Jeffrey A. Abrams & Janice Atwood-Petkovski as Integrity Commissioner, in accordance with Section 223.3(1) of the Municipal Act.
If you think a Member of Council, Local Board or Committee has contravened the Code of Conduct, you may make a formal complaint. Use the Formal Complaint Form to make a complaint to the Integrity Commissioner, using the contact information below.
Jeffrey A. Abrams and Janice Atwood-Petkovski
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Phone # (647) 259-8697