Code of Conduct

The Town of Orangeville's Code of Conduct supports the principles of a transparent and accountable government and helps ensure members of Council, local boards, and committees share a common integrity base and understanding of acceptable conduct extending beyond the legislative provisions governing their conduct.

Purpose

The purpose and intent of the Code of Conduct is to establish general standards of conduct to supplement the legislative parameters within which the members must operate. These standards should serve to enhance public confidence that the Town's elected and appointed representatives operate from a base of integrity, justice and courtesy.

The code does not replace members' roles, responsibilities, actions and behaviours required by various statutes, by-laws and policies.

Scope

The Code of Conduct applies to all members of Council, local boards and committees in the individual conduct of their official duties.

Policy

Review the Code of Conduct for complete details about the policy. The Code of Conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following behaviours:

general standards of conduct
responsibilities of Council, local board and committee members
respect for decision-making processes
receiving gifts and benefits
handling confidential information
use of Town property, services and other resources
election campaign work
conduct at Council meetings
business relations
conduct with staff
respect for others

Protocol

The Complaint Protocol outlines the procedures for dealing with a complaint made under the Code of Conduct for Council, Local Boards and Committees

Integrity Commissioner

The Integrity Commissioner is an independent and impartial position that reports directly to Council, and whose powers and duties are set out in section 223.3 (1) of the Municipal Act, 2001.

Responsibilities of the Integrity Commissioner:

Investigate complaints and alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct for Council, Local Boards and Committees.
Review the Code of Conduct for Council, Local Boards and Committees, and make recommendations on an annual basis.
Serve as an advisor to individual Members of Council in relation to the Code of Conduct for Council, Local Boards and Committees and any procedures, rules, and policies of the municipality governing ethical behaviour, and act as a proactive educator for Council, the Civic Administration, and the public.
Provides third party oversight to Council on specific items in order to maintain procedural fairness and impartiality.
Provide reports to Council, summarizing the activities.
Provide individual investigative reports as required, which will include background concerning a complaint, and recommendations to Municipal Council with respect to a complaints.

Town of Orangeville Integrity Commissioner

Town of Orangeville Council passed a by-law appointing Principles Integrity as the Town's Integrity Commissioner for a five (5) year term, commencing August 15, 2024, after Report CPS-2024-050 was received.

Complaint Process

Every request to the Integrity Commissioner will be noted and reviewed by the Integrity Commissioner. The decision to pursue an investigation into a possible breach of the Code of Conduct for Council, Local Boards and Committees can only be made by the Integrity Commissioner based on the complaint.

Who can File a Complaint?

Members of the public, employees of the Town, any organization, elected officials, or appointed officials can file a complaint under the Code of Conduct for Council, Local Boards, and Committees.

Can an anonymous complaint be filed?

Complaints are required to be submitted by an identifiable individual for an investigation to be completed. Complaints submitted anonymous (without a name or contact information) cannot be processed, and therefore, will not be accepted. Personal information submitted in a compliant through the Integrity Commissioner may remain confidential as determined by the complainant.

How to File a Complaint

To file a complaint to the Integrity Commissioner, please contact:

Principles Integrity

Address: 30 Hadden Street, Toronto, ON M5M 3M9

Telephone: 647-259-8697

Email: [email protected]