The Municipality of Port Hope adopted a Code of Conduct, also known as an Accountability Framework, for Members of Council and Local Boards/Committees on March 5, 2019 by By-law Number 12/2019.
The Code of Conduct applies to all Members of Council and, unless specifically provided with necessary modifications, to all the Municipality's committees, agencies, boards and commissions.
What is a Code of Conduct? |
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A Code of Conduct outlines the rules, roles, and responsibilities of the Members to promote accountability and transparency in municipal governance. Members are expected to comply with standards that govern the following:
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Why does the Municipality of Port Hope have a Code of Conduct? |
The purpose of the Code of Conduct is to establish a general standard to ensure that all Members share a common basis for acceptable conduct, and to which all Members are expected to adhere to and comply with. The Code allows for an Integrity Commissioner to serve as an independent third party with the power to investigate complaints of suspected contraventions of the Code of Conduct and recommend penalties as necessary. This Code of Conduct operates with, and as a supplement to, the existing Municipal, Provincial and Federal Statues, including but not limited to:
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What is the Role of the Integrity Commissioner? |
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The Integrity Commissioner is a Statutory Officer under the Municipal Act, under contract to the Municipality, with a direct reporting function to Council. As a Statutory Officer, the role of the Integrity Commissioner is an arm's length function with a duty to ensure an unbiased, fair, and appropriate process be undertaken to consider complaints regarding the Municipal Code of Conduct and render a decision. The Municipality of Port Hope appointed an Integrity Commissioner, Aird & Berlis LLP by By-law Number 43/2019 on June 4, 2019. The Integrity Commissioner may be contacted at: Primary contact for Council/Staff training and consultations: Primary contact for Code of Conduct complaints and Municipal Conflict of Interest Act applications: Interested residents may read the most recent reports of past investigations by the Integrity Commissioner. |
Accountability Framework |
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The Accountability Framework ensures that the Municipality of Port Hope complies with the legislative requirements established through the passage of Bill 68, Modernizing Ontario Municipal Legislation Act. The Accountability Framework documents Council's commitment to a democratic process that is accountable, collaborative and transparent. On March 3, 2020, Council adopted the Accountability and Transparency Policy. This policy does not supersede or replace the adopted Accountability Framework, Council and Committee Code of Conduct or Staff and Council Relations Policy but instead looks to further enhance the Municipality's commitments to accountability and transparency. |
Filing a complaint |
If you believe that a Member of Council, Local Board or Committee has breached the Code of Conduct or is in non-compliance, there are two options available to you:
Informal complaint procedure:If you believe that a Member of Council, Local Board or Committee has contravened the Code of Conduct, you are encouraged to initially pursue the informal complaint procedure as a means of stopping and remedying a behavior or activity that is prohibited by the Code. However, it is not a precondition or a prerequisite that those complaining must pursue the informal complaint procedure before pursuing a formal complaint:
Formal complaint procedureIndividuals who would like to make a formal complaint can do so by following the official protocol and completing the following steps:
The Integrity Commissioner will determine if the complaint violates the code and may request additional information. The Member will be given a copy of the complaint and asked to respond in writing, with a copy of this response provided to the complainant. The process can include an interview between the complainant and Integrity Commissioner. Generally, within 90 days of filing the complaint, the Integrity Commissioner will submit a report to Council detailing violations of the code and their recommendations. Once the report has been reviewed, Council will determine what actions will be taken. The Complaint Forms and all supporting documentation regarding an alleged breach of the Municipal Code of Conduct can be forwarded to Aird & Berlis, LLP, the Municipal Integrity Commissioner for review, preliminary assessment, and appropriate decision on the disposition of the complaint. For more information regarding the Integrity Commissioner role and responsibilities, please contact the Clerk. |
The Municipality of Port Hope supports and endorses the principles of equity enshrined in Ontario's Human Rights Legislation and upheld by the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC). The OHRC was established as an arm’s length agency of government to prevent discrimination and to promote and advance human rights in Ontario. The OHRC is one pillar of Ontario’s human rights system, alongside the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario and the
Human Rights Legal Support Centre.
For questions or to seek advice regarding human rights, please contact the Human Rights Legal Support Centre or email the Municipal Clerk's office for assistance.