The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake's Integrity Commissioner is Principles Integrity, a partnership operated by its two principles, Jeffrey Abrams and Janice Atwood-Petkovski. Council has appointed Principles Integrity as the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Integrity Commissioner.
About Principles Integrity
Janice Atwood-Petkovski and Jeffrey Abrams:
The principals of Principles Integrity are experienced lawyers with over 30 years each in a variety of Ontario Municipalities. Mr. Abrams was called to the Bar in 1985, Ms. Atwood-Petkovski was called to the Bar in 1987, and each has practised as municipal lawyers and governance experts.
In 2017, Mr. Abrams and Ms. Atwood-Petkovski formed Principles Integrity; a partnership focused on accountability and governance matters for municipalities. The firm has been appointed Integrity Commissioner in over twenty Ontario municipalities.
Role of the Integrity Commissioner
An integrity commissioner is independent and impartial, and reports directly to Council. In addition to specific powers and duties that Council may choose to assign, the core functions of an integrity commissioner are set out in the Municipal Act, 2001.
The responsibilities of the Integrity Commissioner include:
- Providing advice to Council on the Code of Conduct for Members of Council and on Codes of Conduct applicable to members of the Town’s local boards;
- Providing advice to Council on the development of procedures, rules and policies of the municipality governing the ethical behaviour of members of Council and of local boards;
- Acting as a proactive educator for Council and local boards, the Civic Administration and the public;
- Serving as an advisor to individual members of Council and local boards in relation to the applicable Code of Conduct and any procedures, rules and policies of the municipality governing their ethical behaviour, including the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act;
- Receiving and reviewing complaints about breaches of ethical behaviour including conflict of interest matters, and seeking an appropriate resolution in each case;
- Where it is in the public interest to do so, conducting formal investigations and making findings and recommendations to Council or the applicable local board;
- Providing periodic reports to Council, summarizing their activities and summarizing important developments in the field.
Who can file a complaint?
Members of the public, Town Council and other Town employees can file a complaint.
What is the process for filing a complaint?
To inquire, please contact Principles Integrity.
- Administrative Office Address: 30 Haddon Street, Toronto ON M5M 3M9
- Telephone: 647-259-8697
Does the Integrity Commissioner investigate complaints about Town employees?
No. The Integrity Commissioner does not have any authority over Town employees.
Can an anonymous complaint be filed?
No. The complaint protocol does not allow anonymous complaints.