Code of Conduct/Integrity Commissioner | Council | Municipal Services

Code of Conduct for Members of Council and Local Boards

As part of the Municipality of Calvin’s commitment to enhancing transparency and accountability, Council has adopted a Code of Conduct for members of Council and Local Boards.

The Code of Conduct outlines the responsibilities and procedures to be followed by Members of Council. It helps to ensure that the members of Council share a common basis of acceptable conduct. It is designed to complement existing municipal rules and regulations and provide guidance on issues related to the acceptance of gifts and benefits, confidential information, Council-staff relations and the use of municipal property.

Integrity Commissioner

As of March 1, 2019, municipality’s in Ontario were required to appoint an Integrity Commissioner. The role of the Integrity Commissioner includes:

applying the municipal code of conduct for members of Council and certain local boards;
applying municipal procedures, rules, and policies governing the ethical behavior of members;
applying certain Municipal Conflict of Interest Act (MCIA) rules to members;
providing advice to members of Council and certain local boards respecting their obligations under:
1. the municipal code of conduct applicable to the member;
2. municipal procedures, rules or policies governing the ethical behavior of the members; and
3. the MCIA;
providing educational information to the public, the municipality and members of Council and certain local boards about the municipal code of conduct for members and about the MCIA; and
conducting inquiries in respect of any requests alleging contravention of the code of conduct and/or any other procedures, rule or policy governing the ethical behaviour of members of Council and certain local boards.

The Integrity Commissioner reports directly to Council. If the Commissioner reports that, in their opinion, a member of Council or a local board has contravened the code of conduct, the Council for the municipality may impose a penalty in the form of a reprimand or a suspension of pay for a period of up to 90 days. It is up to the municipality to decide how to proceed after an Integrity Commissioner’s report.

Integrity Commissioners play a key role in supporting and enhancing local accountability and transparency. For more information about the role of the Integrity Commissioner, see Sections 223.3 to 223.8 of the Municipal Act, 2001 This link opens in a new window(This link opens in new window)

The Corporation for the Municipality of Calvin has retained Guy Giorno and Fasken Martineau Dumoulin LLP as their Integrity Commissioner (from March 2, 2023 to present)

Members of the public who wish to file a concern over conflict of interest or conduct must:

Complete the form linked below and present the completed form to the Clerk at the Municipal Office.

The Clerk will forward all completed forms to the IC and the IC will respond to the complainant accordingly.

Code of Conduct Inquiry Form : FORMAL COMPLAINT FORM

For more information, please contact

Rheal Forgette CAO Clerk Treasurer

Email: cao@calvintownship.ca

Phone: 705.744. 2700

By-Law 2023-009 Code of Conduct - Temporary

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can file a complaint?

Members of the public, employees of the municipality, any organization as well as members of Council or by Council, can file a complaint under the Code.

What is the process for filing a complaint?

Complaints may be filed by filling out the Formal Confidential Complaint Form (in the Related Documents section).

Does the Integrity Commissioner investigate complaints about municipal employees?

The Integrity Commissioner does not have authority over municipal employees.

Can an anonymous complaint be filed?

Anonymous complaints will not be accepted.