TimminsToday received the following letter to the editor from Pat Eaton of Iroquois Falls regarding the need for a Municipal Integrity Commissioner:
Why the need for Municipal Integrity Commissioner?
Recently a report (June 23) by E4M (Expertise for Municipalities) the Integrity Commissioner for the Town of Iroquois Falls was issued to Mayor Britton and members of council. The Commissioner listed six complainants, 18 code of conduct complaints, one conflict of interest and two council/staff relations complaints. Also, stated 35 code of conduct allegations, one conflict of interest allegation and the two council/staff relations allegations. The Integrity Commissioner could not advise council as to the total number of allegations subject to inquiry as some of the complaints have not been completed but more are pending. So far total cost to the municipality $38,758.70 with projection of additional costs.
The Mayor’s report (July 27 Council Minutes) Mayor Britton indicated that he participated in an interview with CBC with regards to the Integrity Commissioner costs. Mayor Britton also stated, “He is considering lobbying other Mayors to put an end to complaints and Integrity Commissioner costs.” Perhaps Mayor Britton should be showing strong leadership by lobbying the Minister of Municipal Affairs to strengthen the legislation to get rid of members that do not act ethically and with integrity.
Every municipality must appoint an Integrity Commissioner to oversee and advise the ethical behaviour of members of council. Also, every municipality must establish a code of conduct for members of council and boards. What does it mean for the taxpayer? Having an Integrity Commissioner provides a means for the public to have recourse over matters when members of council act unethically without having to hire a lawyer and dealing with the matter in the legal system.
If any mayor and council wants to stop inquiries and associated costs, simply follow published rules. Policies are well established in the Municipal Act, Codes of Conduct and other legislation. Act responsibly and respectfully towards the taxpayers and the citizens of the municipality by being open, transparent and accountable concerning municipal business. Respond to taxpayers and citizen correspondence and regularly hold public forums or town hall meetings to keep your community informed and the number of inquiries and investigations will diminish substantially with a community better informed.
Pat Eaton
Iroquois Falls
