Code of Conduct

A Code of Conduct establishes standards of conduct for Members of Council in the individual behaviour of their official duties. We have adopted a Code of Conduct for Members of Council policy to ensure those general standards are followed.

Purpose and principle

A written Code of Conduct helps to ensure that Members of Council share a common basis of acceptable conduct. These standards are designed to supplement the legislative parameters within which the members must operate. These standards are intended to enhance public confidence that the City of Kenora’s elected and appointed officials operate from a basis of integrity, justice and courtesy. All elected officials and members of committees and local boards are required to follow the City's Code of Conduct policies.

Violations and complaints

If you believe a member of Council, or a committee or local board member appears to have violated a section of the Code of Conduct, you may submit a Formal Complaint to the Integrity Commissioner.

Key items

The Code regulates a range of conduct by elected and appointed officials, including the following:

Improper receipt of gifts and benefits;
Misuse and improper securing of confidential information;
Inappropriate use of City property, services and other resources, including using City facilities for campaign purposes;
Allowing employment prospects to influence the way in which a Councillor performs her or his role;
Avoidance of waste;
Conflicts of interest;
Business relations;
Misbehaviour at Council meetings;
Mistreatment of staff;
Improper use of influence;
Discreditable behaviour towards other Councillors, staff and members of the public; and,
Failing to follow Council policies.

Standards

Learn about the standards of the Code of Conduct.

Integrity

Council Members will uphold the highest standard of ethical behaviour including:

Making impartial decisions that benefit the municipality and are fair and equitable to all residents;
Upholding both the letter and the spirit of Federal and Provincial laws and the laws and policies adopted by the City; and
Being free from undue influence and not acting for personal gain or the gain of a Council Member’s family, friends or business interests.

Accountability

Council Members are responsible for their decisions, including the act of not making a decision when a decision is expected or the act of making a decision that results in harm. Decision-making processes must be transparent and subject to public scrutiny.

Responsibility

Council Members will act responsibly, within the law and within the City’s policies and procedures, including the Code of Conduct for Members of Council. This includes:

Disclosing actual or potential conflicts of interest related to a Member’s public duties;
Taking steps to resolve a conflict for the protection of the public interest;
Following the letter and spirit of policies and procedures; and
Exercising all conferred powers strictly for the purpose for which the powers have been conferred.

Leadership

Council Members will demonstrate and promote the key principles of the Code of Conduct through their decisions, actions and behaviour. A Council Member’s behaviour must build and inspire the public’s trust and confidence in local government.

Respect

Council Members will conduct themselves efficiently, with decorum and with proper attention to the City’s Procedural By-Law. They will treat each other and others with respect at all times, which includes not using derogatory language, respecting the rights of other people, treating people with courtesy, and recognizing the different roles others play in local government decision-making.

Openness

Council members have a duty to be as open as possible about their decisions and actions. This means communicating appropriate information openly to the public about decision making processes and issues being considered, encouraging appropriate public participation, communicating clearly and providing an appropriate means for recourse and feedback.