Accountability and Transparency

Huron East recognizes the responsibility to provide good government in an open and transparent manner.  Whenever possible we will engage with its stakeholders throughout the decision making process in an open, visible and transparent manner. 

On this page: 

1. Code of Conduct for Council 
2. Submitting a complaint
3. Integrity commissioner
4. Closed meetings
5. Reports 

Code of Conduct for Council

In 2019 a Code of Conduct for Council was adopted and applies to all members of Council, Committees and Local Boards. 

A Code of Conduct serves as a reference guide on ethical behaviour when members are acting in their official capacity and supplements legislative standards and parameters within which members are obligated to conduct themselves. 

A Code of Conduct encourages the public's right to expect that its representatives adhere to the highest standards of conduct.  Adherence to such standards will in turn help to protect and maintain a municipality's reputation and integrity. 

Submitting a complaint

Anyone can make a complaint by following the proper procedure outlined in Appendix B of the Code of Conduct. 

• Form for complaints regarding contravention of the Code of Conduct
• Form for complaints regarding contravention of the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act

Complaints can be made by filing out a sworn/affirmed affidavit with the Municipal Clerk or Integrity Commissioner.  If a complaint is filed with the Clerk, it will be forwarded to the attention of the Integrity Commissioner, without added comment, as soon as possible. 

When a complaint is filed by an employee, member of Council or by Council, the affidavit contained in the Code of Conduct is not required, however similar information must be submitted. 

Complaints shall not be made available to the public except as may be required under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) or as completed by Court Order. 

Integrity commissioner

The Municipality of Huron East has appointed Aird & Berlis LLP as the Municipal Integrity Commissioner, Ombudsman and Closed Meeting Investigator.  The Integrity Commissioner role is to ensure that Members of Council perform their functions in accordance with the Code of Conduct, and other procedures, rules or policies governing their ethical behaviour. 

The Closed Meeting Investigator receives and investigates reports about closed meetings and the Ombudsman receives and investigates any decision or recommendation made, or act done, or omitted, in the course of administration of the Municipality and its local boards. 

Contact information for closed meeting investigations requests: 

John Mascarin, Aird & Berlis LLP

Phone: 416-865-7721 or email: jmascarin@airdberlis.com 

Administrative Assistant - Katie MacDonald

Phone: 416-865-7789 ext. 3169

Contact information for Code of Conduct and Municipal Conflict of Interest Act complaints: 

Meghan Cowan

Phone: 416-865-4722 or email: mcowan@airdberlis.com 

Administrative Assistant - Hilary Butten

Phone: 416-865-7789 ext. 5014

Closed meetings

Municipal Councils, local boards and their committees may occasionally need to meet behind closed doors to deal with confidential matters.  For example, if the municipality is involved in legal proceedings or if Council is considering purchasing a piece of land or they must deal with a labour relations issue.  The purpose of a closed meeting is to receive or information or give direction. 

Local government in Ontario must be transparent and accountable, the Province has set the rules for surrounding closed sessions of Council, these can be found in Section 239 of the Municipal Act, and they must be strictly followed.