Integrity Commissioner

The Integrity Commissioner helps ensure members of Council, members of Local Boards and Citizen Committee members:

• conform to a high ethical standard
• adhere to the City of Hamilton's By-law 16-290: Code of Conduct for Members of Council(PDF, 159.52 KB) and; Code of Conduct for Members of Local Boards(PDF, 147.15 KB) and any other applicable City procedures, rules or policies

The Integrity Commissioner reports directly to Council and performs four basic roles:

1. Advisory

• Provides advice to Council, members of Local Boards and Citizen Committee members  to prevent potential violations of the Code of Conduct.
• Provides advice to members of Council and local boards respecting their obligations under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.
• Reviews the Codes of Conduct to ensure it meets the needs of Council
• Provides advice to the public on matters relating to the conduct of Council, members of Local Boards and Citizen Committee members.

2. Education

• Educates members of Council, members of Local Boards and Citizen Committee members on the Codes of Conduct and integrity
• Educates the public on the expected conduct of the members of Council, members of Local Boards and Citizen Committee members through the development of a website

3. Complaint investigation 

• Assesses complaints from the public to determine their validity
• Investigates valid complaints
• Reports the results of the investigations to Council and the public

4. Complaint adjudication

• Determines whether a member of Council; Local Board or a Citizen Committee member has violated a City protocol, by-law or policy governing ethical behaviour
• Administers appropriate discipline as outlined in the By-Laws for members found in violation of their Code of Conduct
• Reports the results of an investigation through Council

The Integrity Commissioner does not have authority over the conduct of City employees. Read more about the role of the Integrity Commissioner By-Law No. 16-288(PDF, 93.15 KB).

The Integrity Commissioner has authority over members of Council, members of Local Boards and Citizen Committee members and enforces the Codes of Conduct. The Integrity Commissioner does not have jurisdiction over the rules of procedure; that falls to the Ontario Ombudsman. The Integrity Commissioner also does not have jurisdiction over the conduct of City employees.

There are other types of complaints where the Integrity Commissioner does not have authority because they are covered by existing legislation or regulatory mechanisms such as an allegation that may involve a contravention of the Criminal Code of Canada. This is a police matter.