Enhancing the Ethical Framework for Municipal Elected Officials
Introduction
The Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) is a non-profit organization advocating for 103 small urban and rural municipalities across eastern Ontario. The EOWC covers an area of 50,000 square kilometres, serving 1,100,000 residents. For more than 20 years, the EOWC has gained support and momentum by speaking with a united voice to champion regional municipal priorities and work with the government, businesses, non-profit organizations, Indigenous leaders, the media, and the public.
The EOWC thanks the Ontario Government for the opportunity to provide feedback on Bill 9, Municipal Accountability Act, 2025.
The EOWC Supports This Critical Legislation
Municipal governments are at the frontlines when it comes to trust and transparency in government. As the level of government closest to the people, our municipalities recognize that integrity, accountability, and respectful conduct are critical to maintaining public confidence. Those who serve their communities—whether as elected officials or staff—have the right to a workplace free from harassment and misconduct.
The EOWC welcomes and thanks the Ontario Government for their attention to these issues and support the legislative changes, including standardized codes of conduct and strengthened processes for integrity commissioners. These improvements will clarify expectations and ensure consistent, fair enforcement. We also commend the Province for its collaborative approach, engaging municipalities in meaningful consultation and committing to further dialogue on regulatory implementation.
With targeted amendments, this legislation will provide municipalities with the tools needed to uphold ethical leadership and foster professional, respectful workplaces. The EOWC supports the amendments proposed by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario in their letter to Minister Flack and their submission to the standing committee on heritage, infrastructure and cultural policy, which aim to enhance the legislation’s effectiveness. We remain committed to working with the Province to strengthen local governance and preserve public trust.
Recommended Amendment: Adjust Removal from Office Provision
Change proposed to: Section 223.4.0.4 (2), Schedule 2, Municipal Act, 2001
The EOWC recommends adjusting the threshold for removing an elected official from office – replacing the current requirement for a unanimous council vote with a supermajority vote (two-thirds vote).
A supermajority vote strikes a balanced approach, ensuring accountability while respecting the gravity of the decision. The existing unanimous threshold raises equity concerns, particularly given the variation in council sizes across Ontario, especially in small urban and rural communities.
Moreover, the removal process already incorporates robust safeguards—including recommendations from both the local Integrity Commissioner and the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario—which mitigate the need for an excessively high voting standard.
Recommended Amendment: Implement Range of Penalties for Municipal Accountability
Change proposed to: Section 223.4 (5), Schedule 2, Municipal Act, 2001
The EOWC supports establishing a progressive system of disciplinary options for integrity commissioners, modeled after the framework implemented in the Education Act, 2023. The EOWC proposes the legislation incorporate a standardized range of penalties that would include, but not be limited to:
- Formal censure of the member
- Temporary suspension from council meetings
- Removal from committee assignments
- Restrictions on serving as committee Chair or Vice-Chair
This approach would provide municipalities with appropriate tools to address misconduct while maintaining proportionality. The EOWC believes such a system would strengthen accountability while preserving stability in local governance.
Contact the EOWC
EOWC Chair, Bonnie Clark
Warden of Peterborough County
Meredith Staveley-Watson
Director of Government Relations and Policy
meredith.staveley-watson@eowc.org
647-545-8324
