Accountability and Transparency
In 2006, the Municipal Act was amended to include new provisions respecting the accountability and transparency of municipal government and its operations, as outlined in the Accountability and Transparency Policy. This new section of the Act contained several provisions, the highlights of which are:
1. Mandatory Policy Development:
Municipalities have been mandated to have, and regularly review, the following policies:
- Procurement of Goods and Services
- Hiring of Employees
- Sale and Disposition of Land
- Public Notice
- Accountability and Transparency
- Delegation of Powers and Duties
2. Mandatory Public Meeting Investigation:
The Act mandates that citizens have the right to request that an investigation be conducted into the appropriateness of closed meetings of Council.
Municipalities have the ability to appoint a Meetings Investigator, or alternatively, in the absence of an appointed Meetings Investigator, to have such investigations carried out by the Office of the Provincial Ombudsman.
The City of Windsor has appointed Local Authority Services Ltd. as its Meetings Investigator..
On July 17, 2017, Windsor City Council passed a new Code of Conduct for Members of Council and Local Boards.
3. Appointment of Accountability & Transparency Officers:
The Municipal Act now authorizes municipalities to appoint the following officers:
- Integrity Commissioner
- Auditor General
- Ombudsman
- Lobbyist Registrar
On October 22, 2007, City Council approved the creation of the office of Integrity Commissioner.
On September 23, 2019, by Council Resolution CR 485/2019, City Council approved the establishment of an Independent Auditor General with direct reporting to the Corporate Services Standing Committee of City Council.
For general information, call 311. For detailed inquiries, please contact the Council Services Department at (519) 255-6222 or email clerks@citywindsor.ca