Contact(s)
Accountability and transparency are fundamentally important in the operational of a municipal government.
Why are some meetings closed to the public?
Municipal councils, local boards and their committees must meet behind closed doors on occasion to deal with some matters. For example, if a municipality is involved in legal proceedings or if Council is considering purchasing a piece of land or if Council must deal with a labour relations issue then it is appropriate that it be able to do so at a closed meeting. The purpose of such a closed meeting is to receive information or give direction.
Local government in Ontario must be transparent and accountable. To this end, the Province has set the rules for a council, local board or a committee to go into a closed meeting.
These rules are found in Section 239 of the Municipal Act 2001 and they must be strictly followed.
Code of Conduct
A Code of Conduct was adopted in 2019 and applies to members of Goderich Town Council, committees, and local boards.
A Code of Conduct serves as a reference guide on ethical behaviour when members are acting in their official capacity, and supplements legislative standards and parameters within which members are obligated to conduct themselves.
A Code of Conduct encourages the public's right to expect that its representatives adhere to the highest standards of conduct. Adherence to such standards will in turn help to protect and maintain a municipality's reputation and integrity.
Making a complaint
- Anyone may make a complaint.
- Complaints can be made by filing a sworn/affirmed affidavit, as provided in Appendix B to the Code of Conduct (insert By-Law No. 19 of 2019 where the underline is shown), directly with the Integrity Commissioner, or CAO/Clerk.
- Where a complaint is filed with the CAO/Clerk, that individual is to forward the complaint to the attention of the Integrity Commissioner, without added comment, as soon as possible.
- Where a complaint is filed by an Employee, Member of Council, or by Council, the affidavit contained in Appendix B to the Code of Conduct is not required, however similar information must be submitted.
- A complaint shall not be made available to the public except as may be required under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) or as completed by Order of Court.
Integrity Commissioner
The Town of Goderich has appointed Principles Integrity as the Municipal Integrity Commissioner and Closed Meeting Investigator. The role of the Integrity Commissioner is to help ensure that Members of Council perform their functions in accordance with a Code of Conduct, and other procedures, rules or policies governing their ethical behaviour. By-Law 88-2021
Contact Information for the Integrity Commissioner:
Principles Integrity
30 Haddon Street, Toronto ON M5M 3M9
Attention: Jeffrey A. Abrams and Janice Atwood-Petkovski
Phone: 647-259-8697 or email: postoffice@principlesintegrity.org
Freedom of Information
Ontario’s Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) gives you the right to request access to government-held information, including information about you. You can request access to general information held by provincial and municipal government institutions by making a freedom of information request.
How do I make a freedom of information request?
There are three steps:
- Find the institution most likely to have the information you are looking for
- Complete a request form in full, making sure you provide as many details as possible about the information you are requesting
- Forward your request to the Town’s Freedom of Information Co-ordinator, along with the $5.00 application fee
You should receive a response within 30 days. For more information visit the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) website or contact the CAO/Clerk. Should you require further information or assistance, please call Town Hall at 519-524-8344 Ext. 210 or visit the Municipal Office (Monday to Friday 8 AM to 4 PM).
