Integrity Commissioner

The report reveals a significant portion of the survey respondents demonstrated awareness of the Integrity Commissioner and clearly understood the responsibilities associated with the role. This indicates a positive level of public knowledge. However, there is still a need for continued efforts to educate and raise awareness among those who are unaware or have limited knowledge about the Integrity Commissioner’s role.

When asked about the duties of the Integrity Commissioner, the majority of participants emphasized the Commissioner’s role in receiving, assessing, investigating and addressing violations of the Code of Ethical Conduct (PDF). This indicates a strong association between the Commissioner's role and ethical conduct oversight. However, the Comissioner’s other duties were selected less often, suggesting a potential lack of awareness or understanding of the broader responsibilities which include conflicts of interest, whistleblowing protection and promoting ethical behaviour within the organization.

The report highlights that the majority of survey participants had not reached out to the Integrity Commissioner’s office for advice or to file a complaint. However, among those who sought advice, there was generally a higher level of satisfaction with the guidance provided. On the other hand, satisfaction levels were more varied for those who filed a complaint, with some expressing dissatisfaction, especially concerning the outcomes.

The report indicates survey respondents generally felt more comfortable contacting the Integrity Commissioner for advice rather than launching a complaint. The primary reason for discomfort among City staff respondents in filing a complaint was the fear of reprisal, indicating a need to build trust and provide a safe environment for individuals to come forward with their concerns.

Survey respondents expressed support for expanding the enforcement toolkit available to the Integrity Commissioner. This includes implementing stronger penalties, including potential dismissal, for violations of the Code of Ethical Conduct. Additionally, there is a desire for a proactive and transparent process that ensures accountability and fosters public trust. Respondents also emphasized the need for additional information and training to enhance understanding of the processes and expectations associated with the Integrity Commissioner's role, enabling individuals to navigate the system more effectively.

To address this need for increased awareness, we will launch an educational campaign that will utilize various communication channels to reach a wide audience. The goal is to bridge the knowledge gap and ensure that a larger segment of the population is well-informed about the Integrity Commissioner and their vital role in maintaining ethical standards within the organization. By fostering a better understanding of the Integrity Commissioner's responsibilities, we believe that individuals will be more confident in engaging with our office. This educational campaign reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability and public trust.

Our aim is to identify potential barriers and areas for improvement to enhance the overall effectiveness and accessibility of our services. We will explore additional consultation channels to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to the low engagement and mixed comfort and satisfaction levels reported in the surveys. This deeper exploration will enable us to identify opportunities for improvement, refine our processes and address any concerns or barriers that may exist. Our goal is to ensure that our services are accessible and responsive to the needs of the individuals we serve. By actively seeking input and feedback, we aim to continue to foster a culture of transparency, accountability and trust within the Integrity Commissioner's office.

Complementary to this work, in February 2023, the City of Vaughan carried out a jurisdictional scan to better understand and identify best industry practices among Ontario municipalities. This work also included obtaining information about existing processes and procedures within their respective Integrity Commissioner and Lobbyist Registrar offices.