Consultation: Strengthening accountability for municipal council members

We are seeking input on how to strengthen accountability for municipal council members.

We want to ensure that councillors and heads of council maintain a safe and respectful workplace and carry out their duties as elected officials ethically and responsibly.

Currently, municipalities are required to have a code of conduct for members of councils and certain local boards, as well as provide access to an integrity commissioner. More information about municipal codes of conduct and accountability rules for members of council can be found in the Ontario Municipal Councillor’s Guide.

We are seeking feedback on:

• what changes or mechanisms are needed to better hold council members accountable for municipal code of conduct violations
• how to more effectively enforce these codes
• whether a broader range of penalties for violations of the codes of conduct are needed

Survey Link: https://www.ontario.ca/form/survey-strengthening-accountability-municipal-council-members

Survey Closing date: July 15, 2021

It is critical that everyone feels safe and respected in the workplace. Incidents or complaints of workplace harassment should be reported to your employer. The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development also provides resources to help identify and address workplace violence and harassment.

Find more information and resources about workplace violence and harassment, Ontario’s Human Rights Code and how to make complaints under those frameworks.