Item - 2024.EX19.25

The Executive Committee recommends that:

1. City Council direct the City Manager, in consultation with the City Clerk, the City Solicitor and the Integrity Commissioner, to develop a Code of Conduct for Public Members of Council Advisory Bodies that aligns with City Council’s approved Codes of Conduct for Members of Council, Local Boards and Adjudicative Boards, as appropriate, and to report to City Council in the second quarter of 2025 with the recommended Code of Conduct for adoption.

On June 15, 2022, City Council adopted 2022.CC45.1 – Review of Codes of Conduct for Members of Council, Local Boards and Adjudicative Boards. This report updated the Codes of Conduct for Members of Council, Members of Local Boards (Restricted Definition) and Members of Adjudicative Boards, including expanding and clarifying Members’ responsibilities for their roles and conduct outside of meetings. The report did not address the creation of a Code of Conduct for individuals appointed by City Council to Council Advisory Bodies. These Council appointees remain guided by the City of Toronto’s Public Appointments Policy, Section 9.2 “General Standards of Conduct.”

Ensuring Public Member appointees to Council Advisory Bodies clearly understand their role in maintaining the integrity of the City’s government and upholding its reputation is critical as the City seeks to expand resident and stakeholder engagement in its decision-making processes. Building on efforts to date to strengthen the Codes of Conduct for public officials, the City should review and establish a Code of Conduct for Public Members of Council Advisory Bodies in keeping with the City of Toronto’s commitment to the highest standards of ethical conduct.

This letter seeks to recommend that City Council direct the City Manager, in consultation with the City Clerk, the City Solicitor and the Integrity Commissioner, to develop a Code of Conduct for Public Members of Council Advisory Bodies that aligns with City Council’s approved Codes of Conduct for Members of Council, Local Boards and Adjudicative Boards, as appropriate, and report to Council in the second quarter of 2025 with the recommended Code of Conduct for adoption.