The current Municipal Conflict of Interest Act (MCIA) impedes citizens holding accountable elected officials. Only someone immediately able to pay legal fees or with prior legal experience is likely able to bring the matter to court, nevermind in a manner likely to be successful. Legal aid will not pay for conflict of interest cases even though it is entirely the commoners’ job to bring forward this type of case.
I support forming three independent municipal offices: 1) integrity commissioner 2) ombudsman 3) auditor general. These offices will save money and force accountability of municipal officials.
I will lobby the provincial government to update the MCIA, fund legal aid for conflict of interest cases, and increase the MCIA statute limitation periods; will research local bylaw options for the same.
This is in addition to my plan for recorded votes, online ward meeting video & minutes, less private meetings, and indefinitely archiving council meeting video records.
Being a politician is supposed to be and could be an honourable position if it was treated as such by the holders of office. It is the character of the person that makes the position honourable and not something automatically conferred on one by the position.
