The Municipality of Kincardine had a Motion to Support Bill 5 come before Council at Monday’s meeting.
The Bill which is entitled “Stopping Harassment and Abuse by Local Leaders Act” would require a code of conduct for Municipal Councillors and local Boards be put in place.
It would direct the Integrity Commission to apply to the court to vacate a member’s seat if they determined they had contravened the requirement.
Councillor Hinchberger said he was surprised something to the Bill’s effect wasn’t already in place.
“Leadership matters and no where should it matter more than in the public light. I strongly agree with this and there is things that can be done legislatively that should strengthen the institution of municipal politics.”
Council Stewart is concerned with the costs that could be associated with use of the Bill.
“The cost for the last one was only for 3 months but it cost us $20,000 to $25,000 so one of these could cost us $100,000. I think that the voters need to take responsibility for who they vote for. You can see they do vote and bad behaviour doesn’t usually get returned to council.”
He went on to not support the Motion but the Motion was passed by Council.
