Municipal Governance Changes

Municipal Codes of Conduct Legislation 

AMO welcomes the reintroduction of legislation that responds to the sector’s calls for codifying and enforcing higher standards of accountability for elected officials. 

Legislation was promised three years ago following an extensive public consultation process that concluded in Fall 2021. If passed and once regulations are finalized, this legislation will largely deliver on those promises by: 

• enabling standardization of the municipal codes of conduct and integrity commissioner investigation processes; 
• creating a role for the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario in municipal codes of conduct and integrity commissioner matters; and 
• establishing a mechanism to remove and disqualify from office members of council and certain local boards for the most serious violations. 

AMO wrote to Minister Flack in early April recommending some amendments to the proposed legislation, specifically noting that the consensus threshold for the proposed removal from office is too high and progressive penalties are still needed.  

Strong Mayor Powers 

The province has proposed additional strong mayor powers for an additional 169 municipalities. These would come into effect on May 1, 2025. The extension of the additional authority is intended to assist with delivering on provincial priorities, including building more homes, transit and infrastructure across Ontario.   

We have heard from members across the province with questions about these new powers and how municipalities can use them responsibly.  

Given these powers are new and that the Ministry is best placed to speak to the intention behind these powers, AMO also wrote to Minister Flack in response to member feedback. Our members encouraged the province to provide resources and training for the municipal sector, including elected officials, to ensure effective implementation of the provincial strong mayor power framework.  

As the most trusted order of government, AMO knows municipalities can be counted on to exercise new powers accountably and in the best interests of the public and the communities they serve.