US EditionOntario's proposed updates to municipal code of conduct rules flawed, critics say
ONTARIO, CANADA, AUG 8 – Ontario's bill aims to empower municipal councils to remove councillors for misconduct but faces criticism over appeal processes and the need for independent adjudication, officials said.
- On August 8, 2025, The Canadian Press reported that Ontario is considering a Progressive Conservative bill giving municipal councils power to remove councillors who violate conduct codes.
- The bill responds to years of municipal calls for addressing workplace harassment and stricter penalties beyond reprimands or 90-day pay suspensions under current rules.
- Critics including municipal lawyer John Mascarin and Councillor Lisa Robinson argue the bill lacks appeal processes, independent adjudication, and that a unanimous vote for removal is problematic.
- Mascarin called the unanimous vote requirement 'fatally flawed' because a councillor only needs one ally to block removal, while Mayor Natasha Salonen stressed accountability and that public office is to serve, not suffer.
- The bill could enable higher scrutiny and sanctions if passed, but concerns about political bias and removal difficulties under the unanimous vote remain unresolved.
Insights by Ground AI
Does this summary seem wrong?
18 Articles
18 Articles
Ontario’s proposed updates to municipal code of conduct rules flawed, critics say – 105.9 The Region
As the Ontario legislature considers a bill that would give municipal councils the power to remove misbehaving and unethical members, some critics say the proposed legislation has serious flaws that must be addressed to ensure accountability. The Progressive Conservative government’s bill seeks to standardize municipal codes of conduct and give councils the power to vote on vacating the seat of a councillor who has violated the code. For years, …
Coverage Details
Total News Sources18
Leaning Left11Leaning Right1Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution85% Left
Bias Distribution
- 85% of the sources lean Left
85% Left
L 85%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
