Integrity Commissioner & Code Of Conduct

An integrity commissioner is independent and impartial and reports directly to Council. In addition to specific powers and duties that Council may choose to assign, the core functions of an integrity commissioner are set out in the Municipal Act, 2001.  

The responsibilities of an integrity commissioner include:  

  •  Providing advice to Council on the Code of Conduct for Members of Council and on Codes of Conduct applicable to members of the Town’s local boards  
  • Providing advice to Council on the development of procedures, rules and policies of the municipality governing the ethical behaviour of members of Council and local boards  
  • Acting as a proactive educator for Council and local boards, the Civic Administration and the public  
  • Serving as an advisor to individual members of Council and local boards about the applicable Code of Conduct and any procedures, rules and policies of the municipality governing their ethical behaviour, including the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act  
  • Receiving and reviewing complaints about breaches of ethical behaviour, including conflict of interest matters, and seeking an appropriate resolution in each case  
  • Where it is in the public interest to do so, conducting formal investigations and making findings and recommendations to Council or the applicable local board  
  • Providing periodic reports to Council, summarizing their activities and summarizing important developments in the field  

Principles Integrity – Midland’s Integrity Commissioner

Janice Atwood-Petkovski and Jeffrey Abrams:  

The principals of Principles Integrity are experienced lawyers with over 30 years each in a variety of Ontario Municipalities. Mr. Abrams was called to the Bar in 1985, Ms. Atwood-Petkovski was called to the Bar in 1987, and each has practised as municipal lawyers and governance experts.  

In 2017, Mr. Abrams and Ms. Atwood-Petkovski formed Principles Integrity; a partnership focused on accountability and governance matters for municipalities. The firm has been appointed Integrity Commissioner in over twenty Ontario municipalities. Principles Integrity was also utilized to develop the Town’s new code of conduct.  

Here is the most recent report to Council from Sept 6th 2023 that reviews the use of this valuable (and mandatory) service: https://midland.civicweb.net/document/45138/Principles%20Integrity%202023%20Midland%20Annual%20Report.pdf

  To inquire, please contact Principles Integrity.