Integrity Commissioner

Any person who has reasonable and probable grounds to believe that a Member of Council has contravened the Council Code of Conduct may submit a complaint to the Integrity Commissioner.

Members of the public, Members of Council, members of local boards, and Township employees may file a complaint regarding an alleged breach of the Council Code of Conduct.

Formal complaints must be submitted using the Complaint Protocol Form or by written request.

All complaints must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked "Private and Confidential" and must include:

• Name of the municipality;
• Complainant's name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address (if applicable);
• Nature and background of the complaint;
• Details of any efforts undertaken to resolve the matter;
• Any other relevant information;
• A sworn affidavit and original signature; and
• A $100 deposit payable to the Township of Champlain.

The Integrity Commissioner has the discretion to refuse to investigate a complaint if it falls outside their jurisdiction, is frivolous or vexatious, fails to demonstrate sufficient grounds, or if requested information is not provided, in accordance with By-law 2024-71.

The $100 deposit will be refunded if the complaint is accepted and an investigation is conducted.

Submit complaints by mail or in person to:

Integrity Commissioner
c/o Clerk or Chief Administrative Officer
Township of Champlain
948 Pleasant Corner Road East
Vankleek Hill, ON K0B 1R0

Complaints filed with the Clerk or Chief Administrative Officer will be forwarded to the Integrity Commissioner without delay and without comment.

Individuals who wish to request confidentiality may complete the complaint form and swear the affidavit before a Commissioner for Taking Affidavits of their choice before submitting the complaint directly to the Integrity Commissioner.

The decision to treat a complaint as confidential rests solely with the Integrity Commissioner. Depending on the nature of the complaint and the circumstances surrounding it, the Integrity Commissioner may determine that the complainant's identity must be disclosed as part of the investigation process.

To the extent possible, the Integrity Commissioner will submit a report to Council or the applicable local board within 60 days of receiving a complaint.

Where a contravention of the Council Code of Conduct or other ethical obligations is found, the Integrity Commissioner may recommend penalties or other corrective measures permitted by legislation.