Integrity Commissioner

The Integrity Commissioner is an independent and impartial position reporting directly to Council.

As of March 1, 2019, Council for the Township of Minden Hills appointed Mr. Harold G. Elston as its Integrity Commissioner.

The Integrity Commissioner carries out the following core functions:

Advisory Role

The Integrity Commissioner provides confidential written and oral advice to members of Council and Committees (as applicable), about their own situations respecting the Code of Conduct and other by-laws, policies and procedures governing ethical behavior, including general advice about the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.

The Integrity Commissioner also provides opinions and reports to Council on issues of ethics and integrity.

Investigative Role

Complaints related to the Code of Conduct can be dealt with through a formal or informal process (please refer to Sections 19, 20 and 21) the Code of Conduct.

Formal complaints are made directly to the Integrity Commissioner using either the Code of Conduct Complaint Form or the Municipal Conflict of Interest (MCIA) Complaint Form. The affidavit must be sworn by any Commissioner for Taking Affidavits in Ontario. When carrying out a formal complaint investigation, the Commissioner can summon evidence and examine witnesses under oath.

Should the Integrity Commissioner find a contravention of the Code of Conduct, he can recommend various penalties for imposition by Council. The available penalties range from suspension of remuneration to a reprimand or apology.

Educational Role

The Integrity Commissioner serves as proactive educator and provides educational programming for Council and Committees as applicable.