Integrity Commissioner

The Township's Integrity Commissioner is here to administer Ramara's Code of Conduct for Council, Boards and Committees. The Integrity Commissioner should be regarded as a guiding hand offering assistance and healthy dialog and not as a “watch dog”. Given authority under the Ontario Municipal Act, the Integrity Commissioner is an independent accountability officer appointed to perform the following duties:

Inform members of their Code of Conduct obligations;
Advise members regarding specific situations as they relate to the Code;
Advise members on other policies and procedures relating to the ethical behaviour of members;
Inform the public of the Code and member obligations and the Code of Conduct Complaint Protocol;
Conduct investigations in response to complaints received for suspected Code of Conduct violations;
Provide Council with an annual report on the activities of the Integrity Commissioner.

Who is Ramara's Integrity Commissioner and how can I contact them?

Please note that as of August 6, 2020, Harold Elston will be the Integrity Commissioner for the Township of Ramara.

Main Number: 1-705-443-8183

Please email to ask questions, seek advice or to start the complaint process.

Who can file a complaint?

Complaints may be filed by members of the public, staff, organizations, and Council members.

What is the process for filing a complaint?

Complaints are filed according to the Code of Conduct Complaint Protocol and are filed with the Integrity Commissioner.

How is the complaint investigated?

A person making a complaint may choose to have the complaint processed informally or formally.
In a formal investigation, the official whose actions are in question, is given a copy of the complaint and asked to respond in writing. A copy of this response is provided to the complainant. If the response does not resolve the complaint, the Integrity Commissioner investigate the matter further.
The process could include an interview with the complainant and the Integrity Commissioner.
Within 90 days of filing the complaint, the Integrity Commissioner will submit a report to Council, detailing any violation of the Code of Conduct and any recommendations.
Council determines what action will be taken.

Does the Integrity Commissioner investigate complaints about Township employees?

The Integrity Commissioner does not have any authority over Township employees. Township employees are subject to a separate Code of Conduct. The activities of the Integrity Commissioner relate only to the Code of Conduct for Council, Board and Committee members.

Can an anonymous complaint be filed?

The Complaint Protocol makes no provision for anonymous complaints or for withholding the complainant's name. However, the Protocol does include an informal complaint procedure that allows the Integrity Commissioner to have an informal discussion with the Township official in an attempt to resolve the issue.

Does the Integrity Commissioner conduct Closed Meeting investigations?

No, investigations involving activities of closed meetings are handled by the Ontario Ombudsman. Visit Municipal Closed Meeting Investigations for further information.