MICO 2016

Two former senior managers filed complaints alleging the Mayor of Sarnia created a poisoned work environment and harassed staff.

The Integrity Commissioner investigated and found the Mayor repeatedly breached the Code of Conduct by publicly criticizing staff, interfering with the City Manager's duties, and failing to respect the professional capacities of City staff.

The Commissioner recommended suspending the Mayor's remuneration for 90 days.

A complaint was filed alleging that a Member of Council contravened the Code of Conduct by making derogatory comments about members of two public bodies.

The Integrity Commissioner commenced an inquiry but declined to investigate allegations regarding proper process and authorization, as they fell outside his jurisdiction.

After receiving written submissions from both parties and noting the absence of audio or video recordings of the meetings, the Complainant agreed it would be unproductive to proceed to witness interviews.

The Integrity Commissioner terminated the inquiry without finding a contravention of the Code.

The City of Toronto Integrity Commissioner investigated complaints that former Councillor Doug Ford contravened the Code of Conduct for Members of Council by using his influence to assist two companies, Donnelley and Apollo, which were clients of his family's printing business, Deco.

The Commissioner found that Councillor Ford contravened Article VIII (Improper Use of Influence) by arranging meetings and making inquiries with City staff on behalf of both companies, failing to separate his public duties from his private business interests.

The Commissioner also found that he contravened Article IV (Gifts and Benefits) by accepting dinner and tennis tickets from Apollo.

No penalty was recommended as he was no longer a member of Council.

The Integrity Commissioner investigated a complaint alleging that the respondent mayor contravened the Code of Conduct by disclosing confidential information during a radio interview.

The information pertained to the possible sale of the municipality's hydro utility, which had only been discussed in closed session.

The respondent admitted to the disclosure but stated he mistakenly believed the information would be made public at a subsequent meeting.

The Commissioner found that the respondent contravened the Code of Conduct but recommended no sanctions due to the honest mistake.

The Integrity Commissioner investigated six complaints against members of the Town of Essex Council.

Four complaints were directed at Councillor Randy Voakes, alleging disrespectful behaviour, use of profanity, and bullying towards staff, the Mayor, and a citizen.

The Commissioner found that Councillor Voakes violated the Code of Conduct by impugning a staff member's professional reputation and treating another staff member inappropriately.

The Commissioner recommended a one-month suspension of Councillor Voakes' remuneration.

The remaining complaints regarding interactions with the Mayor and a citizen were dismissed with a warning to the Councillor to control his temper and cease disruptive behaviour.

The Integrity Commissioner received a complaint alleging that a Member of Council contravened the Code of Conduct by accusing residents of 'backstabbing' and 'harassing students' during an informal meeting.

The Complainant alleged breaches of confidentiality and core principles.

The Commissioner determined that the comments were political rhetoric made in the heat of the moment and did not constitute serious misconduct warranting a full inquiry.

The Commissioner stayed further inquiry into the complaint, noting that the Integrity Commissioner should not act as a censor for political expression.

The Integrity Commissioner investigated a complaint alleging that a City Councillor contravened the Code of Conduct in relation to a section 37 agreement and by appearing in a promotional video for a developer.

The Commissioner found that the Councillor contravened the Code by engaging in discussions for community benefits outside the section 37 agreement, contrary to the City's Community Benefits Policy.

The Commissioner also found that the Councillor improperly used his influence by appearing in the promotional video, facilitating donations from the developer to third parties, and arranging a meeting between a friend and the developer.

No penalty was recommended as the Councillor accepted the findings and agreed to voluntary remedial actions.

A member of the public filed a complaint alleging that a City Councillor contravened the Code of Conduct for Members of Council following a series of interactions regarding a parking issue.

The Integrity Commissioner found that the Councillor did not contravene Article VI (Use of City Property, Services and Other Resources) as he did not obtain special relief from parking enforcement.

However, the Commissioner found that the Councillor contravened Article XIV (Discreditable Conduct) by acting in an intimidating and harassing manner toward the complainant and her family.

The Commissioner recommended that City Council reprimand the Councillor.

A member of the public filed a complaint alleging that a City Councillor contravened the Code of Conduct for Members of Council by acting aggressively toward an Uber driver and members of the public.

The Integrity Commissioner found that the Councillor's actions were intimidating and constituted discreditable conduct under Article XIV of the Code.

However, considering the incident was a single, brief exchange early in the Councillor's term, the Commissioner recommended that Council adopt a finding of a contravention but impose no formal sanction or remedial action.

The Integrity Commissioner for the Town of Newmarket investigated multiple Code of Conduct complaints against several municipal councillors.

The complaints alleged improper use of influence for charitable fundraising, inappropriate conference expenses, and conflicts of interest regarding budget discussions and a municipal computer purchase program.

The Commissioner dismissed all public complaints, finding that charitable fundraising is permissible and encouraged, conference expenses were appropriate, and conflicts of interest were properly declared.

A member of the public filed a complaint alleging that Councillor Rob Ford included an advertisement for a campaign fundraiser in his constituency newsletter, contrary to the Code of Conduct for Members of Council.

The Integrity Commissioner found that the newsletter, although produced by staff on personal time and paid for with personal funds, was inextricably linked to the Councillor's constituency work and subject to City policies.

The Commissioner concluded that the Councillor contravened Articles VI and VII of the Code by using the newsletter and City resources, including staff time, for campaign purposes.

The Commissioner also found a contravention of Article XV for failing to disclose the personal funds used to pay for the newsletter.

A suspension of remuneration for three days was recommended.

A member of the public filed a complaint alleging that Mayor John Tory contravened the Code of Conduct for Members of Council by improperly using his influence to benefit former campaign staff who were acting as consultants for Uber.

The complaint centered on a motion moved by the Mayor to defer consideration of a staff report regarding taxicab regulations.

The Integrity Commissioner investigated and found that the deferral motion was motivated by policy considerations, including the desire to regulate the ground transportation industry comprehensively and await the outcome of pending litigation.

The Commissioner concluded there was no evidence the Mayor intended to benefit his former campaign staff or Uber, and dismissed the complaint, while providing guidance on interactions between elected officials and former campaign staff acting as lobbyists.