Ontario Taking Action to Strengthen Local Governance

May 1, 2025

• Ontario is taking action to protect our communities by strengthening municipal governance and accountability.
• Our re-introduced Municipal Accountability Act, 2025, if passed, would enable a new standardized municipal code of conduct and integrity commissioner processes, as well as require code of conduct training for members of council and certain local boards.
• This legislation would also create a role for the Ontario Integrity Commissioner in municipal code of conduct and integrity commissioner matters, and establish a mechanism to remove and disqualify members of council and certain local boards from office for the most serious violations of the code of conduct.
• Ultimately, this balanced approach, requested by municipal leaders and supported by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, provides more tools to strengthen local governance across Ontario.