On May 1st, the Ontario government is protecting communities by re-introducing legislation that would, if passed, strengthen municipal governance and accountability.
Ontario is proposing changes through the Municipal Accountability Act, 2025 that would enable the creation of a new, standardized municipal code of conduct, an integrity commissioner inquiry process that would be consistent throughout the province and mandatory code of conduct training for members of council and certain local boards.
"Strong local governance begins with accountability," said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. "People across Ontario trust their members of council to uphold high standards for how they conduct themselves and address the decisions before them. We have worked closely with Ontario's Integrity Commissioner to provide municipal leaders with new tools and resources to deliver good government."
If passed, the changes would include a penalty of removing and disqualifying a member from office if they are in serious violation of the code. Removal and disqualification could only occur upon the recommendation of the municipal integrity commissioner, a concurring report from the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario and a unanimous vote of council.
"Municipal councils in Ontario have asked for legislation that holds elected officials to a higher standard of accountability," said Robin Jones, AMO President and Mayor of Westport. "If passed, this bill would deliver on ensuring that as members of council, we are living up to the trust that residents put in us. We commend Minister Flack for getting to this point."
Quick Facts
- The proposed changes in the Municipal Accountability Act, 2025 would amend the Municipal Act, 2001 and the City of Toronto Act, 2006, to strengthen the municipal code of conduct and integrity commissioner framework.
- Decisions about what is included in the standardized code of conduct will be made after consultations with the municipal sector. It could include rules for ethical behaviour with respect to, for example, harassment and discrimination and training requirements for members of council and certain local boards.
- Working with the municipal sector, Ontario plans to develop the necessary regulations to support the new framework to come into effect for the new term of councils in 2026.
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