Complaint Process for Council Code of Conduct

If you see behaviour or activity that you believe violates the Code of Conduct, you can submit a complaint. There are two complaint processes:

  • Informal
  • Formal

Proceeding with the informal process is not required to submit a formal complaint. An individual can use one or the other, or pursue one (such as informal), followed by the other (such as formal).

Informal complaint

Tell the member that their behaviour appears to violate the Code of Conduct. Request that the member stop the behaviour.

Document relevant information, such as date, time, location and other people present.

We encourage you to use the informal complaint process as a way to immediately address behaviour and settle the matter.

Formal complaint

To file a formal complaint, you must complete a Request for Investigation Form / Affidavit.

Step 1 - Complete a Request for Investigation Form / Affidavit

Fill out the Request for Investigation Form / Affidavit and include:

  • Information to support the claim made against the Member, including dates and locations
  • Names and contact information for any witnesses of the event
  • Your name and contact information; anonymous complaints will not be accepted
  • Do not sign the form until you are before a Commissioner of Oaths to swear / affirm the affidavit

Step 2 - Bring in-person to our clerk's office

Place the completed form in an envelope and bring it in-person to the Office of the Regional Clerk:

1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold
Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays

Do not seal the envelope at this time (unless the affidavit is already properly sworn before a Commissioner of Oaths).

Individuals should call the Office of the Regional Clerk at 905-980-6000 ext. 3220 to make an appointment.

Step 3 - Swear / affirm the affidavit to the Regional Clerk

When you arrive at the Office of the Regional Clerk, you must swear / affirm the affidavit to indicate that the information you provided is accurate and truthful, unless it has already been sworn / affirmed before a Commissioner of Oaths elsewhere.

Step 4 - Seal the envelope

Once the affidavit has been sworn / affirmed, you will seal the envelope and give to the Regional Clerk. The Regional Clerk will forward the complaint to the Integrity Commissioner who will contact you regarding your complaint.

The Integrity Commissioner will enter into a "Consent and Confidentiality Agreement" with the complainant before beginning their investigation.

The Regional Clerk and other necessary individuals will maintain confidentiality.

Reports to Council

The Integrity Commissioner generally completes investigations within 90 days or less.

After the Integrity Commissioner has completed the investigation, a final investigation report will be provided to Regional Council on an open session council agenda. This final investigation report will identify the complainant and the member of council involved.

An annual report is also submitted to Regional Council summarizing the number of complaints and findings.

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