MICO 2010

A private citizen filed a complaint with the City of Vaughan Integrity Commissioner alleging that Mayor Linda D. Jackson breached the Code of Ethical Conduct by refusing to answer questions regarding the release of the complainant's personal information.

The Integrity Commissioner found that the Mayor contravened Rule 1(b) of the Code, which requires members to perform their functions with transparency and recognize the public's right to reasonable access to information.

However, the Commissioner concluded the contravention was made through inadvertence and in good faith, and recommended no sanctions, instead advising the Mayor to seek answers from City staff to provide to the complainant.

A private citizen filed a complaint alleging that a municipal councillor breached the Code of Ethical Conduct by purchasing magnetic business cards in excess of other members and by using a family member's company to seek competitive pricing in 2003.

The Integrity Commissioner investigated and found that the 2009 purchase complied with the City's purchasing policies and did not breach the Code.

Regarding the 2003 actions, the Commissioner noted that while they would have constituted a breach under the current Code, they were outside her jurisdiction because the current Code was not in force at the time.

The complaint was not sustained, but the Commissioner recommended implementing the City Auditor's proposed amendments to purchasing policies to ensure transparent procurement.

A private citizen filed a complaint alleging that a Regional Councillor breached the Code of Ethical Conduct by allowing false evidence to be entered at an Ontario Municipal Board hearing regarding ward boundaries.

The Integrity Commissioner investigated and found that the Councillor did not write or review the witness statement prepared by City legal staff prior to the hearing, and his testimony was honest.

The Commissioner concluded that the Councillor did not violate the Code of Ethical Conduct.

A private citizen filed a complaint alleging that a municipal councillor breached the Code of Ethical Conduct by failing to provide clear and understandable responses to emails requesting access to constituency records and information on municipal legal fees.

The Integrity Commissioner investigated and found that the councillor had responded appropriately by explaining that he did not maintain files on non-constituents and by referring the legal fees inquiry to the appropriate committee chair.

The Commissioner concluded that the councillor did not violate the Code, noting that individual councillors are not responsible for determining access to records under freedom of information legislation or for answering complex policy questions outside formal council processes.

The Integrity Commissioner investigated a complaint that Councillor Rob Ford used his City Council letterhead and City resources to solicit donations for his private football foundation.

The investigation revealed that donors included lobbyists and a corporation doing business with the City.

The Commissioner found that Councillor Ford violated Articles IV, VI, and VIII of the Code of Conduct by accepting improper benefits, using City property for private purposes, and improperly using his influence.

The Commissioner recommended that Council require Councillor Ford to reimburse the lobbyist and corporate donors.

The Integrity Commissioner investigated whether Councillor Rob Ford violated the Code of Conduct by disclosing confidential information regarding a real estate transaction.

The Councillor broadcast the proposed purchase price on a radio show and later disclosed it during a City Council meeting.

The Commissioner found that the Councillor failed to read the relevant report, failed to verify if the information was public, and recklessly revealed confidential information.

The Commissioner concluded that the Councillor breached Article V of the Code of Conduct and recommended that City Council impose a reprimand.