The Integrity Commissioner issued an interim report regarding a Code of Conduct complaint against a Council Member.
The investigation had been suspended pending a related Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) proceeding.
Following a settlement in the HRTO matter, the municipality's counsel argued the settlement barred further Integrity Commissioner proceedings.
The Integrity Commissioner held that the municipality is not a party to Code of Conduct complaints and cannot settle them.
Emphasizing the statutory requirement for independence, the Commissioner determined the HRTO settlement did not bind the Code proceeding and ordered the investigation to resume.
