On April 12, 2021 Council for The Corporation of the Town of Kingsville appointed Mary Ellen Bench as Integrity Commissioner under Section 223.3 of the Municipal Act, 2001.

Role and Responsibility of the Integrity Commissioner

The Integrity Commissioner is an independent and impartial position that reports directly to Council and whose powers and duties are set out in the Municipal Act, 2001.

The Integrity Commissioner is responsible for:

• Providing advice to members of Council and Local Boards in relation to the Code of Conduct, the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, and any procedures, rules and policies of the Town governing ethical behaviour
  
• Investigating complaints and alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act by members of Council, Boards and Committees
• Providing educational information to the public, the municipality, members of Council, Boards and Committees about the Code of Conduct and Municipal Conflict of Interest Act
• Reporting to Council, as may be necessary, regarding any advice, investigation, or training undertaken in the previous year

Complaint Procedure

Individuals or organizations who have witnessed behaviour by a member of Council, Board or Committee, in their capacity as a member of Council/Local Board for the Town of Kingsville or in their capacity as Council representatives on committees and local boards, that they believe are in contravention of the Code of Conduct, the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, or any other policy or procedure governing ethical behaviour may submit a complaint form directly to the Municipality's Integrity Commissioner or to the Clerk of the Town in a sealed envelope.

There is a $100 refundable fee, payable to the Town of Kingsville, to submit a complaint. The fee will be refunded if the Integrity Commissioner determines that the complaint is not frivolous or vexatious.

The Integrity Commissioner for the Town of Kingsville is:

Mary Ellen Bench
Telephone: 416-409-5607
Email: maryellen@benchmunicipal.com

Resources

Code of Conduct for Council Members

Municipal Conflict of Interest Act

Procedure By-law 68-2024