The Integrity Commissioner is an independent and impartial officer appointed by Council under Township by-law.
The Commissioner is responsible for reviewing, investigating, and making recommendations on matters related to the ethical conduct of:
- Members of Council
- Committees of Council
- Local boards
The Integrity Commissioner has authority to address concerns relating to:
- The Council Code of Conduct
- The Municipal Conflict of Interest Act
- Any Township policy, procedure, or by-law governing ethical behaviour
Key Responsibilities
In addition to responding to complaints, the Integrity Commissioner plays an important role in supporting ethical governance by:
- Providing confidential advice to Council members and board members
- Offering guidance on ethical obligations and responsibilities
- Educating Council, boards, staff, and the public on standards of conduct
- Helping prevent potential violations through awareness and training
The Integrity Commissioner also prepares annual reports summarizing their activities, including investigations and recommendations, to promote transparency and accountability within municipal governance.
Filing a Complaint with the Integrity Commissioner
Any individual may submit a complaint regarding the conduct of a member of Council, committee, or local board.
Complaints must be made in writing and include sufficient detail to allow for a proper review. This includes identifying the individual involved, the nature of the concern, and any relevant facts or documentation.
Complaints are reviewed in accordance with Township policy and applicable legislation, and all investigations are conducted confidentially and impartially.
For more information on submitting a complaint or accessing public reports, please contact the Chief Administrative Officer.
Phone: 613-925-4231 ext. 102
Email: sgeraghty@augusta.ca
Election Period Restrictions
During a municipal election period, the Integrity Commissioner is restricted from commencing or continuing investigations or reporting to Council, except as permitted under the Municipal Act. This restriction applies only to Code of Conduct and integrity-related matters and does not affect closed meeting investigations conducted by the Ombudsman.