Call to go out for new integrity commissioner

Council has agreed to seek a new integrity commissioner for the County.

A London area lawyer Robert Swayze has served the role to uphold council’s code of conduct here since 2016, and for several other municipalities throughout the province.

Councillor Chris Braney brought the motion forward suggesting “it is time for a change”.

In September, the commissioner reported results of his investigation sought by four members of council into alleged breaches of conduct related to confidential information being leaked to the public. He found insufficient evidence but believed the code of conduct had been contravened. In 2018, he ruled an apology was in order following a citizen complaint that an e-mail was offensive.

Notice will be provided to Swayze to finalize any current, or existing files as his contract will be terminated once an agreement is signed with an interim firm (save and except for the continuation of any files until completion).

The firm of Aird & Berlis LLP is appointed Integrity Commissioner on an interim basis of up to four months, to carry out all of the duties and to serve until such time as the process is complete and council appoints a new Integrity Commissioner.

The Clerk will issue an advertisement for applications for the position and present details from submissions no later than the first regular council meeting of January 2025.