Skip to content

New legislation will force municipal governments to be more open

Changes would improve access to justice for the public and for municipal councillors by allowing integrity commissioners to investigate complaints.
city council 1 turl 2015
North Bay City Council chambers.

The Ontario government introduced changes today to three key pieces of municipal legislation that would if passed, force governments to be more open, flexible and accountable to their citizens.

See: Proposed Amendments to the Municipal Act, the City of Toronto Act and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act

The Municipal Act, the City of Toronto Act and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act set out the roles, responsibilities and conflict of interest rules for Ontario's municipalities.

If passed, these changes would benefit local governments and residents by:

  • Improving access to justice for the public and for municipal councillors by allowing integrity commissioners to investigate complaints
  • Requiring municipalities to have a code of conduct for members of municipal councils and local boards
  • Empowering municipalities to address climate change in their communities through by-laws related to green construction in certain circumstances
  • Broadening municipal investment powers, which may help better finance repairs and replacements of local infrastructure
  • Increasing fairness and reducing barriers for women and parents elected to municipal governments by allowing time off for pregnancy or parental leave

A news release says these changes come as a result of public consultations as well as feedback from municipalities and stakeholders.

There are 444 municipalities in Ontario.

Additional Resources


Comments

Verified reader

If you would like to apply to become a verified commenter, please fill out this form.