Integrity Commissioner, Closed Meeting Investigator & Ombudsman

Accountability and Transparency in Municipal Government

The Municipality of Morris-Turnberry is committed to ensuring transparency, ethical conduct, and accountability in local government. To support these principles, the Municipality has appointed an independent Accountability Officer to serve as Integrity Commissioner, Closed Meeting Investigator, and Municipal Ombudsman.

Integrity Commissioner

The Integrity Commissioner is an independent and impartial officer who reports directly to Council. Their role includes:

• Promoting and ensuring compliance with the Council Code of Conduct.
• Investigating complaints regarding alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct by members of Council, local boards, and committee members. 
• Providing advice, education, and information on ethical standards and conflict of interest obligations under the Code and related legislation (including the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act). 
• Providing reports and recommendations to Council. 

Closed Meeting Investigator

Under section 239 of the Municipal Act, 2001, a Closed Meeting Investigator can investigate complaints about whether a meeting (or part of a meeting) that was closed to the public complied with the open meeting rules set out in the Act and the Municipality’s procedure by-law. 

Ombudsman

As Ombudsman, the appointed officer can independently review administrative decisions, recommendations, acts, or omissions made in the course of the Municipality’s administration that may affect individuals or the public. This function provides an additional level of accountability in municipal governance. 

How to Make a Complaint

Anyone may make a complaint — including members of the public, municipal staff, Council members, or other stakeholders. 

Complaints must generally be made in writing and may require a sworn or affirmed declaration, depending on the type of complaint and the process outlined in the Code of Conduct complaint protocol or applicable legislation. All complaints are handled confidentially, subject to legal requirements.

Complaints can be filed by delivering a completed complaint form or letter — including required information and, where applicable, a sworn/affirmed affidavit — to the Clerk’s Office or directly to the Integrity Commissioner.

Contact Information

Aird & Berlis LLP
Integrity Commissioner, Closed Meeting Investigator & Ombudsman Services
c/o John Mascarin
Brookfield Place, 181 Bay Street, Suite 1800
Toronto, ON M5J 2T9
Phone: 416-865-7721
Email: jmascarin@airdberlis.com