Regional councillors support provincial bill to allow removal of politicians guilty of misconduct

An Ontario MPP's private members' bill that would allow municipalities to remove council members who have been found to have violated harassment and violence policies has received support from Region of Waterloo councillors.

The Stopping Harassment and Abuse by Local Leaders Act, or Bill 5, was first introduced by Orléans MPP Stephen Blais, and passed second reading at Queen's Park in March of last year. But the Ford government did not push it through to third reading before the last provincial election. 

Blais, a Liberal MPP, has brought it forward again and the bill is scheduled for second reading on May 30.

He told CBC Ottawa he wants to address the issue because of a situation in the City of Ottawa where a former councillor was docked 15 months pay in 2020 after CBC and two integrity commissioner reports found he harassed former staff members and job applicants for years.

"Elected leaders, no matter what level they're elected, hold tremendous positions of authority and respect in our community, and with that authority and respect comes a responsibility to obviously behave properly, but to also set a standard," Blais said.

Regional councillors endorse bill

Coun. Colleen James, who represents Kitchener, brought the issue before the Region of Waterloo council's administration and finance committee meeting Tuesday.

"Currently, if there is any harassment by local leaders, the maximum penalty is 90 days without pay," she said, noting if politicians don't file their expenses for elections, they're not permitted to run again. 

James said she felt like other councillors were "well aware" of situations in other parts of the province, including in Ottawa, and said "it's time" to update the Municipal Act when it comes to harassment.

"When I first heard about this act, there were 40 municipalities who had signed on and as of yesterday, there were over 80. So I think that shows that there is a need to change and there's support there."

James's motion called for the region to:

• Endorse Bill 5.
• That they request municipalities and their integrity commissions be consulted in the development of any regulations related to the proposed legislation.
• That the resolution be circulated to local councils, MPPs, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.

Councillors did not debate James's motion and there were no other comments on it Tuesday morning. Councillors did vote in favour of the motion. That decision is expected to be ratified at the council meeting scheduled for May 24.