Charles Harnick, a former Ontario cabinet minister, will continue to serve as Norfolk County’s integrity commissioner.
Harnick of ADR Chambers became interim integrity commissioner a year ago after the Toronto law firm Aird & Berlis, announced it was terminating its contract with the county. His appointment was recommended for approval at a council-in-committee meeting on Dec. 13 and will last three years with an option of two one-year extensions.
Harnick was Ontario’s Attorney-General in the mid to late 1990s and also served as the province’s Minister Responsible for Native Affairs. He provides integrity and mediation services through the agency ADR Chambers of North York.
By law, municipalities are required to appoint an independent integrity commissioner to adjudicate complaints against council members.
Harnick replaced John Mascarin of Aird & Berlis on an interim basis, after Mascarin announced his resignation on behalf of his firm in a Dec. 8, 2021 letter sent to the municipality. The resignation took effect Dec. 31 last year and followed a great deal of acrimony between Mascarin and the previous council.