Integrity Commissioner and Closed Meeting Investigator

Role of the Integrity Commissioner

The Integrity Commissioner is an independent and impartial position that reports directly to Municipal Council and whose powers and duties are set out in the Municipal Act, 2001. The Integrity Commissioner is responsible for oversight of the Code of Conduct for Members of Council, Committees and Local Boards.

Responsibilities of the Integrity Commissioner:

• Investigate complaints and alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct for Members of Council.
• Review the Code of Conduct for Members of Council and make recommendations.
• Serve as an advisor to individual Members of Council in relation to the Code of Conduct and any procedures, rules and policies of the municipality governing ethical behaviour, and educator for Council, Committees, Local Boards, Staff and the public.
• Provide reports to Council, summarizing activities.
• Provide individual investigative reports, as required, which will include background concerning a complaint and recommendations to Municipal Council with respect to a complaint

• By-law 58-23 - Code of Conduct for Members of Council and Local Boards (PDF [356 kB])
  • The above-noted Code of Conduct includes both informal and formal complaint procedures.

Closed Meeting Investigations

The Municipal Act also requires a municipality to appoint a closed meeting investigator to investigate complaints as to whether a municipality has complied with the requirements of Section 239 of the Act regarding open meeting requirements.

A member of the public may request, in writing, an investigation of whether a municipality or local board has complied with the Municipal Act or the Municipal Procedure Bylaw in respect of a meeting or part of a meeting that was closed to the public.

Contact Information

Aird & Berlis LLP has been appointed to act as Integrity Commissioner, Closed Meeting Investigator, and Ombudsman for the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc. Complaints may be filed either with the Municipal Clerk or directly with the Integrity Commissioner by hard copy or by e-mail:

For Code of Conduct complaints and Municipal Conflict of Interest Act applications, please contact:

Clerk - Legal and Legislative Department (who will provide a copy to the Integrity Commissioner)
Address: 52 Frank Street, Strathroy, ON, N7G 2R4
Email: clerk@strathroy-caradoc.ca 
Tel: 519-245-1070

OR complaints may be filed directly with the Integrity Commissioner:

Aird & Berlis (the Integrity Commissioner)
181 Bay Street, Suite 1800
Toronto, ON M5J 1T9
Attention: Meghan Cowan
Email: mcowan@airdberlis.com
Tel: 416-865-4722

For Closed Meeting Investigation requests and Ombudsman complaints, please contact:

John Mascarin
Phone: 416-865-7721
E-mail: jmascarin@airdberlis.com