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Ontario's Bill 9 on Municipal Accountability Set for Final Approval
Ontario set to finally pass municipal code of conduct, councillor reforms
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Ontario's Bill 9, aimed at reforming municipal conduct rules, is expected to pass its final reading on Tuesday. The legislation will standardize codes of conduct, enhance the role of the provincial integrity commissioner, and establish removal mechanisms for councillors in severe cases, marking a significant step towards accountability.
- 01Bill 9, known as the Municipal Accountability Act, was first introduced in May 2025 and is set for final approval.
- 02The legislation aims to standardize municipal codes of conduct and enhance the provincial integrity commissioner's authority.
- 03Councillors can be removed for serious violations, but this requires a unanimous vote from fellow councillors, raising concerns among some advocates.
- 04Emily McIntosh, an advocate, emphasized the bill's importance for accountability and safe workplaces.
- 05Previous attempts to introduce similar legislation faced delays and setbacks, highlighting the challenges in reforming municipal governance.
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The Ontario government is poised to pass Bill 9, the Municipal Accountability Act, during its third and final reading, expected on Tuesday. This legislation, first introduced in May 2025, aims to standardize municipal codes of conduct and enhance the powers of the provincial integrity commissioner. It includes provisions for the removal of councillors in extreme cases of misconduct, contingent upon recommendations from the integrity commissioner and a unanimous vote from other councillors. Advocates, including Emily McIntosh, founder of The Women of Ontario Say No, have hailed the bill as a crucial step towards holding municipal politicians accountable for egregious behavior. Despite concerns about the voting process for removals, the bill represents a significant move toward ensuring safe and accountable municipal governance. The journey to this point has been lengthy, with previous iterations of similar legislation failing to materialize due to political shifts and delays.
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The passage of Bill 9 will directly impact municipal governance in Ontario, ensuring that councillors are held accountable for their actions.
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