Norwich still looking for information on Accountability Act

Luke Edwards, Post Contributor

The township will be sending out another request for additional information on the proposed Municipal Accountability Act.

Back in January, Norwich councillors passed a resolution asking for Paul Calandra, who was then minister of municipal affairs and housing (MMAH), to provide clarity on the legislation. According to a motion from Coun. Karl Toews at the Sept. 23 township council meeting, there has been no response as of the first of September.

The act includes several changes that will impact local municipalities, including “the creation of a new, standardized municipal code of conduct, an integrity commissioner inquiry process that would be consistent throughout the province and mandatory code of conduct training for members of council and certain local boards,” a spring press release from the province said.

However, Toews has concerns over part of the legislation that could allow for the removal of councillors.

“If this becomes law it will give the provincial government the power to declare a duly elected councillor seat vacant for up to four years, which by the way as you know, is the full length of our term,” he said. It would require a severe violation of the code of conduct, though Toews said it’s not clear what constitutes a severe violation.

“So there’s definitely a potential for abuse, I think we can all see that,” he said.

With a provincial election that took place earlier this year and a new MPP at the head of MMAH, Toews said it’d be worthwhile to send another request for information.