General information for municipalities, complainants, council members, and staff. Specific processes vary by municipality and applicable legislation.
An Integrity Commissioner is an independent officer appointed by a municipality under the Municipal Act to provide ethics advice, conduct Code of Conduct investigations, deliver education, and report to Council. The Commissioner is independent of Council and staff and exercises statutory functions impartially.
Complaints typically proceed through intake, jurisdictional and preliminary review, and — if warranted — investigation and a written report. Each municipality's complaint protocol, appointment by-law, and Code of Conduct govern the specific process.
Informal resolution may be appropriate where the parties consent. A preliminary review considers whether the complaint, on its face, discloses grounds for investigation. A full investigation involves notice, evidence, and an opportunity to respond. Final reports contain findings and may include recommendations.
Identities and information are handled confidentially to the extent permitted by law and the applicable protocol. Procedural fairness includes notice of allegations, an opportunity to respond, and an impartial decision-maker.