News release

Mississauga Council Passes Resolution to Clarify and Strengthen the Council Code of Conduct

Local government | February 9, 2022

At its meeting today, Mississauga City Council passed a resolution to clarify and strengthen the Council Code of Conduct regarding the investigation powers of the Integrity Commissioner.

Council also heard a deputation from Integrity Commissioner Robert Swayze that he has begun an investigation into the allegations of bullying by a current Councillor against a former Councillor. The Integrity Commissioner is expected to bring his report back to Council in March 2022. This report, like all reports from the Integrity Commissioner, will be a public document.

“Mississauga was one of the first jurisdictions in Canada to enact a Code of Conduct,” said Mayor Crombie. “The Code is a living document and is amended regularly. Today’s resolution will strengthen the Code of Conduct to provide for greater clarity, accountability and transparency, and ensure a situation like this does not occur again. Council looks forward to the outcome of the investigation of the Integrity Commissioner so that we can get answers and take action where necessary.”

Today’s resolution of Council adds the following section to the Council Code of Conduct under the Complaint Protocol:

“If the complaint is in relation to a matter which is subject to an outstanding complaint, investigation or charge under other legislation, including matters falling under the Criminal Code of Canada or the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Integrity Commissioner may, with notice to Council and in accordance with s.223.8 of the Municipal Act, 2001, suspend any investigation under this Code of Conduct until the disposition of the other process, after which they shall resume their inquiry and report to Council.”

The resolution also amends the Code to require the Integrity Commissioner to make quarterly reports to Council, a change to the current practice of one annual report.

For more information regarding the procedural matters of this investigation, please contact Mississauga’s City Clerk’s office at city.clerk@mississauga.ca.

Media Contact:
City of Mississauga Media Relations
media@mississauga.ca
905-615-3200, ext. 5232
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