LAURIE WEIR
In a democracy, transparency and accountability are not just buzzwords—they are foundational principles that ensure the public’s trust in their elected officials. Unfortunately, it appears that these principles may be at risk in Rideau Lakes.Â
Recently, council chose to ignore the recommendations of the Integrity Commissioner (IC) and voted to withhold the IC’s report from the public. This decision not only undermines the role of the Integrity Commissioner but also raises questions about the council’s commitment to the values of transparency and accountability.
The role of an Integrity Commissioner is clear: to investigate complaints regarding breaches of the Code of Conduct by council members and to report their findings to the council and, by extension, to the public. This process is preserved in Ontario’s Municipal Act, 2001, which mandates that the Integrity Commissioner’s report must be made public. The reason behind this legislative requirement is straightforward — the public has a right to know if their elected officials are conducting themselves with integrity.
By choosing not to bring the report forward to the next open council meeting, Rideau Lakes council is essentially sweeping the findings under the rug. This decision is not just a disservice to the complainant who brought the issue to light, but also to the entire community. What message does this send to the residents of Rideau Lakes? That their concerns don’t matter? That accountability is optional?
One of the most concerning aspects of this situation is the potential violation of the Municipal Act. Section 223.6(3) of the Act states that the report of an Integrity Commissioner must be made public. The council’s decision to withhold the report is not only a breach of this legislative requirement but could also lead to legal challenges. Should the public or other partners choose to pursue legal action, the council could find itself entangled in a costly and embarrassing legal battle — one that could have been easily avoided by adhering to the principles of openness and transparency.
There is also the potential for this issue to escalate beyond the confines of Rideau Lakes. The Ontario government has a vested interest in ensuring that municipalities comply with their statutory obligations. Provincial oversight or intervention could be the next step if Rideau Lakes fails to correct course.
Rideau Lakes council still has the opportunity to do the right thing. By bringing the Integrity Commissioner’s report into the public domain, the council can demonstrate its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. It can show the people of Rideau Lakes that their voices matter and that their elected officials are not afraid to be held accountable.