Accountability, transparency and openness are standards of good government that enhance public trust. These principles apply to the political process and decision-making and to the administrative management of the municipality.
The principles of accountability and transparency are reflected in many City policies and practices, as well as Council-established accountability officers. These include:
Elected Officials Compensation and Expense Reporting
Compensation and expense reports for the Mayor and Councillors, for the current and previous term of Council, are available for public review. Expense reporting is updated quarterly. Learn more about current elected officials compensation and expense reporting.
City of Brampton Internal Audit Division
Internal Audit is guided by a philosophy of adding value to improve the operations of the City of Brampton. It assists the City in accomplishing its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of the City’s governance, risk management and internal control.
The City first created an internal audit function in May of 1987 and since then the Internal Audit has grown and adapted to the needs of a thriving municipality. The Division provides the City of Brampton’s Senior Management with the necessary recommendations to maintain the highest standards of stewardship and due diligence over corporate processes and public funds.
Internal Audit reports to the Chief Administrative Officer, and supports the stewardship and oversight responsibilities of Council, with an objective to provide confidence about the administration of City resources. The division’s reports are presented to the Audit Committee (a committee of council) on a quarterly basis. All reports can be found with Audit Committee agendas for each meeting.
Council Code of Conduct
On January 27, 2016, City Council approved a
new Code of Conduct for the Mayor and Members of Council, effective February 1, 2016.
In addition, Members of Council must adhere to a number of other laws and statutes, as well as City by-laws, policies and procedures, which serve to support the Council's Code of Conduct.
Background:
On November 25, 2015, City Council considered a draft new Code of Conduct for Council, and requested the Draft New Code be placed on the City's website for a public review and comment period until January 22, 2016.
Integrity Commissioner
In 2011, Brampton City Council approved the establishment of the Office of the Integrity Commissioner. The Integrity Commissioner performs functions with respect to the application of the Council Code of Conduct, along with any City legislation, procedures, rules and policies governing the ethical behaviour of the Mayor and Councillors. The City's current Integrity Commissioner is Muneeza Sheikh.
Contacting the Office of the Integrity Commissioner
Persons wishing to file a complaint with the Office of the Integrity Commissioner are asked to review the
complaint process.
Municipal Ombudsman
The
Municipal Ombudsman, acting
independently and reporting to
Council, investigates any decision or recommendation made or act done or
omitted in the course of the administration of the municipality.
As of January
1, 2016, if a municipality does not appoint a Municipal Ombudsman, then the
Ontario Ombudsman becomes its default Municipal Ombudsman.
Brampton City Council has not yet made a decision regarding the Municipal Ombudsman.
Therefore the Ontario Ombudsman currently functions as the Municipal Ombudsman for Brampton.
Public Complaints Process
A
Public Complaints process is in place for public complaints of alleged staff misconduct. The process was approved in June 2007.
Lobbyist Registry and Gift Registry
The City has established a
Lobbyist Registry and Gift Registry, as of January 1, 2016. The Registries will enhance transparency by providing an ongoing record of persons who lobby City Hall and gifts received by the City’s public office holders, both elected and non-elected.
Closed Session Investigator
A
Closed Meeting Investigator process is in place to address public complaints regarding closed session meetings of City Council and its committees, where it is alleged that topics discussed in camera do not comply with the
Municipal Act. In 2013, the City appointed
Local Authority Services Ltd. (LAS) as the City's Closed Session Investigator. A copy of the City's
appointment report and
by-law is found online.
Procedure By-Law
The conduct of Council and Committee meetings is governed by the City’s
Procedure By-law, which is a requirement of the Municipal Act. The Procedure By-law provides rules of order for meetings and ensures that meetings are open to the public, with some exemptions, and provides for notice of public meetings.
Policies
Policies dealing with procurement of goods and services, hiring of employees and the sale and other disposition of land, along with the existence of internal and external audit programs, help promote accountability and transparency in the City’s financial dealings.
Employee Code of Conduct
The Employee Code of Conduct, the performance management and evaluation system, an enhanced employee orientation program and the provision of learning and development opportunities for staff are some of the mechanisms used by the City to create a culture of accountability on the part of its officers and employees.
