Accountability and Transparency

Why are some meetings closed to the public?

Municipal councils, local boards and their committees must meet behind closed doors on occasion to deal with some matters. For example, if a municipality is involved in legal proceedings or if Council is considering purchasing a piece of land or if Council must deal with a labour relations issue then it is appropriate that it be able to do so at a closed meeting. The purpose of such a closed meeting is to receive information or give direction.

Local government in Ontario must be transparent and accountable. To this end, the Province has set the rules for a council, local board or a committee to go into a closed meeting.

These rules are found in section 239 of the Municipal Act 2001 and they must be strictly followed. 

Making a complaint

1. Anyone may make a complaint.
2. Complaints can be made by filing a sworn/affirmed affidavit, as provided in Appendix B to the Code of Conduct, directly with the Integrity Commissioner, or CAO/Clerk.
3. Where a complaint is filed with the CAO/Clerk, that individual is to forward the complaint to the attention of the Integrity Commissioner, without added comment, as soon as possible.
4. Where a complaint is filed by an Employee, Member of Council, or by Council, the affidavit contained in Appendix B to the Code of Conduct is not required, however similar information must be submitted.
5. A complaint shall not be made available to the public except as may be required under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) or as completed by Order of Court.

Integrity Commissioner

The Municipality of South Huron has appointed Aird Berlis LLP as the Municipal Integrity Commissioner and Closed Meeting Investigator.  The role of the Integrity Commissioner is to help ensure that Members of Council perform their functions in accordance with a Code of Conduct, and other procedures, rules or policies governing their ethical behaviour.

Please review the Appointment of Integrity Commissioner By-Law for further information about the Office of the Integrity Commissioner.

Contact Information for Closed Meeting Investigation Requests 

John Mascarin, Aird & Berlis LLP

Phone: 416-865-7721 or email: jmascarin@airdberlis.com

Administrative Assistant - Katie MacDonald 

Phone: 416-865-7789 ext. 3169

Contact Information for Code of Conduct complaints and Municipal Conflict of Interest Act applications 

Meghan Cowan

Phone: 416-865-4722 or email: mcowan@airdberlis.com

Administrative Assistant - Hilary Butten 

Phone: 416-865-7789 ext. 5014

Freedom of Information

Ontario’s Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) gives you the right to request access to government-held information, including information about you.  You can request access to general information held by provincial and municipal government institutions by making a freedom of information request.

How do I make a freedom of information request?

There are three steps:

• Find the institution most likely to have the information you are looking for
• Complete a request form or write a letter requesting the information
• Forward your request to the Freedom of Information Co-ordinator, along with the $5.00 application fee

You should receive a response within 30 days.  For more information visit the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) website or Contact the Clerk’s department.