MICO 2026

The applicant mayor applied for an inquiry alleging that the respondent councillor contravened the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act by attempting to influence the City's spending on legal fees related to the councillor's own judicial review application.

The Integrity Commissioner found that the councillor had a pecuniary interest in the litigation and technically contravened section 5(1)(b) of the Act by discussing the matter at a Council meeting.

However, the Commissioner found no contravention of section 5.2, as there was no attempt to influence decision-making.

The Commissioner decided not to apply to a judge for a determination, concluding that expensive litigation would not be in the municipality's best interests for a technical breach.

The applicant board applied for an inquiry alleging that a city councillor contravened the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act and the municipal Code of Conduct by participating in and voting on a motion regarding the governance of a non-profit housing corporation where he was employed as Executive Director.

The Integrity Commissioner found that the motion, which called for mediation and potential legal remedies to restore municipal oversight, did not affect a real, present, and definable pecuniary interest of either the corporation or the councillor.

The Commissioner also found that the councillor did not use the influence of his office for a private advantage.

The application and complaint were dismissed.