Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady is calling on the Ontario government to eliminate the use of municipal Integrity Commissioners across the province.
Brady tabled Motion 73 in the Ontario Legislature on May 5, asking the province to amend the Municipal Act, 2001, and remove the requirement for municipalities to appoint Integrity Commissioners. The motion argues the system creates unnecessary duplication and additional costs for taxpayers.
Integrity Commissioners are responsible for investigating complaints involving municipal councils and local boards, including alleged breaches of codes of conduct and ethical standards.
Brady says she has heard concerns from municipal officials across Ontario about inconsistencies in how investigations are conducted and how penalties are recommended.
“I’ve witnessed firsthand across our municipal governments, and I’ve been contacted by municipal offices from across Ontario that Integrity Commissioners—who are supposed to uphold fairness—vary widely in how they conduct investigations, how they write their reports, and how they recommend penalties,” Brady said.
She argues the current system lacks uniform standards and creates unpredictability for municipalities navigating complaints and disciplinary matters.
“That’s not justice. That’s unpredictability,” Brady said. “And it comes at a cost. Taxpayers are funding a system that too often lacks consistency and clear standards—when in many cases, these responsibilities could be handled by experienced senior municipal administration like a CAO, clerk or GM.”
The motion is non-binding, meaning it would not automatically change legislation if passed, but it formally places the issue before the Ontario Legislature for debate and consideration.
Integrity Commissioners have become increasingly common in municipalities across Ontario over the past two decades as part of broader accountability and transparency measures introduced by the province.
