MICO 2015

The Integrity Commissioner investigated a complaint against Regional Councillor Michael Di Biase alleging interference in municipal procurement processes and inappropriate pressure on City staff.

The Commissioner found that the Respondent breached multiple rules of the Code of Ethical Conduct by inquiring about tenders during the blackout period, using confidential information provided by a private citizen to criticize competitors, and intimidating staff who refused to bypass procurement rules.

The Commissioner recommended a 90-day suspension of remuneration.

The complainant, a municipal manager, alleged that the respondent, Chair of the Economic Development Committee, made disrespectful comments about municipal staff on Facebook.

The Integrity Commissioner investigated and found that the respondent's comments violated the Code of Conduct by being disrespectful towards senior staff.

The Commissioner recommended that the municipal council reprimand the respondent and request an apology.

The Integrity Commissioner investigated a complaint by Councillor Pam McConnell regarding the conduct of then-Mayor Rob Ford.

On November 18, 2013, Ford ran through the Council Chamber and collided with McConnell, causing her physical and emotional harm.

The Commissioner found that Ford's decision to run through the Chamber was reckless, lacked decorum, and contravened the Code of Conduct for Members of Council.

While Ford did not intend to harm McConnell, his actions were unbecoming of his position.

Ford accepted the findings and voluntarily offered to pay $1,000 to a community program of McConnell's choice to express his regret.

The Commissioner recommended that Council adopt a finding of a Code of Conduct contravention but impose no further penalty in light of the voluntary payment.

The Integrity Commissioner investigated a gift of four hockey tickets valued at $600 received by Councillor Pat Saito from a developer.

The Councillor disclosed the gift and stated she gave the tickets to her daughter.

The Commissioner found that accepting tickets from a developer without a legitimate business purpose violated the Council Code of Conduct.

The Commissioner recommended that $600 be suspended from the Councillor's salary.

The complainant alleged that a municipal councillor breached the Town's Code of Conduct by operating an illegal business, failing to pay associated fines, and failing to repay personal loans.

The Integrity Commissioner found that while the councillor's operation of an illegal business and failure to pay fines breached the general conduct provisions of the Code, the complaints regarding these matters were submitted outside the six-week limitation period and were therefore dismissed.

The Commissioner further found that the councillor's conduct regarding unpaid personal loans was a private matter outside the scope of the Code.

The Commissioner recommended that no penalty be imposed.

A resident filed a complaint alleging that the then-Mayor violated the Code of Conduct for Members of Council by using racial slurs on two occasions.

The Integrity Commissioner found that the Mayor breached Article XIV of the Code of Conduct by making abusive and harmful statements in the presence of his staff.

Given the Mayor's admission, cooperation, and planned formal apology to Council, the Commissioner recommended no further remedial action.