MICO 2007

A member of the public complained that a municipal councillor violated the Code of Conduct by enclosing a promotional decal for a printing business in an invitation to a summer barbecue sent in an envelope bearing a City Hall return address and logo.

The Integrity Commissioner found that the councillor violated Articles VI and VIII of the Code of Conduct by using City property for non-corporate purposes and improperly using his influence to promote a business.

However, given the councillor's prompt acceptance of responsibility and offer to apologize, the Commissioner recommended that City Council adopt the finding of a violation but impose no further sanction.

During the 2006 municipal election campaign, the respondent councillor left a voice mail message with a Member of Parliament alleging that the applicant councillor was under active police investigation.

The applicant filed a complaint with the Integrity Commissioner alleging a violation of the Code of Conduct for Members of Council.

The Integrity Commissioner found that the conduct amounted to a violation of the Code's discreditable conduct provision and recommended that the respondent make a full apology or face a formal reprimand.

The complainant alleged that the respondent, a city councillor, violated Clause V of the Code of Conduct for Members of Council by using a City-funded website for election campaign purposes.

The respondent had issued an electronic newsletter announcing her leave of absence to run in a provincial by-election, alongside a summary of her achievements.

The Integrity Commissioner found that the original newsletter violated the Code of Conduct as it implicitly encouraged constituents to vote for her.

However, because the violation was an error of judgment made in good faith and the respondent immediately rectified the newsletter upon being notified, the Commissioner recommended that no penalty be imposed.