“Let’s take action now”: NDP’s Burch calls out Ford for repeated delay of municipal harassment bill

NIAGARA - NDP MPP Jeff Burch released the following statement after the Association of Municipalities Ontario (AMO) conference wrapped up without any sign of the long-promised PC bill to hold elected officials accountable for workplace misconduct:

“Everyone deserves to feel safe at work, and political offices are no different. For years we’ve heard that legislation is coming to hold elected officials accountable for abuse and violence at work. We keep hearing excuses and delays from Ford, even though his own bill has apparently been ready for years. The issue has widespread support. What’s the hold-up?

This year, we brought forward our own bill to ensure that people who perpetrate violence and harassment at work are finally held accountable. The solution is ready, the tools are at our fingertips. Let’s take action now.”

Quick facts

• Burch tabled the Municipal Accountability and Integrity Act in June 2024.
• The Act would implement several measures to hold officials accountable, including:
  • Establish a common framework for codes of conduct across Ontario
  • Require the Minister to establish a Board of Integrity Commissioners under the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario and establish standards for selection and training.
  • Allow the commissioner to make an application for judicial review to vacate a members seat in the case of egregious contraventions of the code of conduct.