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:

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

3.1 Understanding Your Municipal Accountability Offices

At the City of Windsor, we are committed to transparency, accountability, and fair treatment for all residents, businesses, and employees. Three independent offices support this mission by investigating complaints and concerns:

Topic
The Integrity Commissioner
The Auditor General
The Municipal Ombudsman
Jurisdictional Boundaries Council and board member behaviour Financial and operational misconduct Administrative process and fairness
Legislative Authority

Municipal Act, 2001, Sections 223.3 to 223.8 

Council-appointed, reports to Council

Municipal Act, 2001, Section 223.19

Auditor General Charter

Independence from administration and Council; reports directly to Council 		Municipal Act, 2001, Sections 223.13 to 223.24
Mandate

Provides advice and education on Council/board member conduct

Investigates alleged violations of the Code of Conduct

Administers Municipal Conflict of Interest Act (MCIA) matters

Provides objective and independent assessment, advice and assurance with respect to governance, risk management, accountability and performance

Administers the Concerned Citizen and Employee Hotline regarding fraud, waste or misuse as it relates to City assets

Investigates complaints about administrative unfairness, delay, or non-responsiveness

Focuses on services, process, and procedural fairness

Mandated to act independently and impartially
Complaint Coverage

Focused on conduct of:

  • Elected officials 
  • Members of local boards

Investigates systemic issues and individual misconduct relating to:

  • Misuse of City assets
  • Financial impropriety
  • Unethical conduct involving City assets or funds
Handles complaints from employees, vendors, and the public 		Applies to staff and administration, not elected officials
Limitations

Cannot investigate City staff or administrative decisions

Does not cover systemic service delivery issues

No authority over contractor or third-party behaviour

Does not address personal treatment or interpersonal complaints unless tied to misuse of assets

Cannot mediate fairness or personnel disputes unless systemic misuse is involved

Cannot override political decisions

Cannot enforce disciplinary action

Recommends, but does not compel, corrective action
Contact Sites

Integrity Commissioner

Auditor General

Ombudsman


Here is a simplified decision tree to help you determine to whom to submit your complaint:

Flowchart guiding users on where to direct complaints or concerns involving the City. It begins with the question, Do you have a complaint or concern about something involving the City? If yes, it asks if the issue is about fraud, waste, or misuse of City assets or funds. If the response is yes, then the complaint is directed to the Auditor General. If not, it asks if the issue involves unfair treatment or City service handling. If the response is yes, then the complaint is directed to the Ombudsman. If still no, it asks if the concern is about a City Councillor or board member. If the response is yes, then the complaint is directed to the Integrity Commissioner. If none apply, it advises contacting the accountability team for help routing the complaint.

All complaints are treated with confidentiality and respect. We believe in upholding the highest standards of integrity in how your city is run.