Statement by Mayor Fred Eisenberger on the Integrity Commissioner’s Report

HAMILTON, ON - Council has voted to receive the City’s Integrity Commissioner’s report regarding the current Chair of the LGBTQ Advisory Committee which found this individual breached the Hamilton Advisory Committee/Task Force Code of Conduct and, as it relates to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), has issued a formal reprimand.

The situation is regrettable; however, the Integrity Commissioner’s finding underlines that Council and its committees, subcommittees and advisory committees are subject to the Municipal Act and provincial laws, and ignoring these laws have consequences.

This situation could have been avoided had the LGBTQ Advisory Committee Chair followed the advice of the City clerks who are there to ensure everyone acts within the laws and procedures which are in place to protect everyone.

Our Volunteer Advisory Committees are critical voices to have within our organization and our community. Hamilton is stronger when community members feel empowered to share their voices, their advocacy and ideas. Representing our city also means we each have a Code of Conduct to adhere to. I look forward to continuing to hear from our committees as we collectively strive to continuing to build a city we can all be proud of.