Council passes code of conduct

By Joel Wittnebel/The Oshawa Express

In a move some residents see as redundant, city council passed a recommendation to develop a council code of conduct and have staff investigate the options for the hiring of an integrity commissioner.

The proposed code, to be enforced by an integrity commissioner, would put monetary penalties on councillors’ actions that are deemed to be in contravention of their duties. Penalties could include reprimands and the suspension of a councillor’s remuneration up to 90 days.

The code also lays out specifics for how councillors deal with gifts they receive when attending events as part of their duties and defines the handling of confidential information.

The motion passed with only Councillor John Aker voicing opposition.

“I don’t see any reason for it,” Aker said. “If you don’t have integrity, than don’t run for office.”

Oshawa resident David Conway spoke at the meeting, urging councillors to table the motion. Conway says council already has their oath of office and council charter, which accomplish exactly what a code of conduct sets out to do, and the installment of yet another set of rules would accomplish nothing.

“If the members of council do not have the integrity to follow their charter and oath of office, what would make them follow a code of conduct?” he said.

Conway said the position of the auditor general should be reinstated before council considers the development of a code, which seems to “stifle and muzzle” councillors’ dealings with staff.

The idea for a code of conduct came from a report developed by municipal lawyer George Rust-D’Eye. Rust-D’Eye was hired by the city to investigate council’s actions concerning report AG-13-09, which was developed by the city’s former auditor general relating to the purchase of 199 Wentworth St. E.

Councillor Rick Kerr, while stating he wouldn’t stand in the way of developing a code of conduct, he wasn’t necessarily behind the concept.

“I can’t say I totally support the concept,” he said.

However, Councillor Bob Chapman said it is not uncommon for councils to have an oath of office and a code of conduct.

“Some people fall off the trail and have to be put back on the path,” he said.

Chapman says the code of conduct is just another way to ensure councillors are accountable for their actions.

“”I’ll stand by what I’ve done and be accountable for what I’ve done,” he said.

Councillor Nancy Diamond, who claimed the idea has been misinterpreted in the public eye, said the same.

“We have nothing to be afraid of, so let’s not be afraid to be open,” she said.

Now that the code of conduct is in place, city staff will be investigating the options for the hiring or retaining of an integrity commissioner with a report to come back before council.