Council Code of Conduct

Purpose of the Code

The Council Code of Conduct establishes clear guidelines for:

• Ethical decision-making and responsible governance.
• Respectful interaction with residents, staff, and fellow Council members.
• Avoiding conflicts of interest and promoting transparency.

Adherence to the Code supports the Township’s commitment to accountability and good governance.

Key Principles

The Council Code of Conduct ensures that members:

• Make decisions based on fairness, integrity, and impartiality.
• Represent the interests of the Township while avoiding personal gain.
• Act respectfully towards all individuals, including Township staff.
• Abide by all applicable laws, by-laws, and policies.

Reporting Concerns

If you believe a member of Council has breached the Code of Conduct, you may submit a complaint for review.

Informal Code of Conduct Complaints

Informally discuss your concerns with the Clerk at ccraig@georgianbluffs.ca, or by calling 519-376-2729 ext. 602

Formal Code of Conduct Complaints

Formal complaints are handled by and must be submitted to the Township’s Integrity Commissioner. The Integrity Commissioner is appointed by Council and is responsible for:

• Providing advice to Council on the Code of Conduct for Members of Council, Committees and Boards.
• Providing advice to Council on the development of procedures, rules and policies of the municipality governing the ethical behaviour of members of Council and local boards.
• Acting as a proactive educator for Council and local boards, administration and the public.
• Serving as an advisor to individual members of Council and local boards in relation to the applicable Code of Conduct and any procedures, rules and policies of the municipality governing their ethical behaviour, including the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.
• Receiving and reviewing complaints about breaches of ethical behaviour including conflict of interest matters, and seeking an appropriate resolution in each case.
• Where it is in the public interest to do so, conducting formal investigations and making findings and recommendations to Council or the applicable local board.
• Providing periodic reports to Council, summarizing their activities and summarizing important developments in the field.

Contact the Integrity Commissioner:

• Principles Integrity
• Jeffrey A. Abrams and Janice Atwood-Petkovski
• Email: postoffice@principlesintegrity.org
• Phone: 647-259-8697
• Address: 30 Haddon Street, Toronto, ON M5M 3M9

Supporting Documents

• Council Code of Conduct