Chatham-Kent’s new integrity commissioner says her goal is not to silence political speech, but to look at all the facts while ensuring council’s code of conduct is adhered to.
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Suzanne Craig, of SC Consulting, has officially taken over the role and recently spoke to advisors virtually about her responsibilities.
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Craig replaces Mary Ellen Bench, whose term ended in November. Bench, who’d held the post since 2019, was among seven unsuccessful bidders for the post.
Craig is an expert in municipal and provincial regulations, statutes and conduct codes. She has conducted investigations and education sessions and helped develop policies on municipal conduct codes, workplace harassment and discrimination, closed meetings and human rights.
During her presentation, she called the code of conduct a blueprint that “enshrines council values” and belongs to members.
“I don’t need to, nor is my role to tell members of council how to act with integrity,” she said. “My default is that members of council act with integrity.
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“Acting with integrity for an individual member of council in my view means that members understand and accept and choose to act in their official capacity in accordance with the rules of the code, the municipal conflict of interest act, and other policies and procedures of the municipality.”
The code is also a living document that can change over time, Craig said, adding her role involves clarifying the rules for councillors, as well as providing information to staff and the public.
“I look at an investigation as a course correct. I look at the investigation as a way to identify how to look at facts fairly, objectively and find recommendations and sanctions to correct the course of action of a member of council.” she said.
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Craig said she doesn’t entertain vexatious complaints, noting there is a protocol to identify the grounds for a complaint.
She stressed the code is not a “weapon of disagreement,” but rather a tool of accountability and transparency.
“If it is a bona fide complaint, I do vigorously investigate, I make findings and recommend sanctions to council,” she said.
She plans to meet with advisors one-on-one in the new year to discuss her role and any issues of note, as well as answer questions.
“Voicing disagreement of the direction of a colleague is deemed to be political speech, as long as the member refrains from making disparaging comments about other members, processes, members of staff, or members of the public,” Craig said.
“Using the spoken word to create political pressure on an elected official, or council, to adopt a particular viewpoint is the essence of political advocacy and debate. … It’s the words that one uses and focuses on, by focusing on issues, and not personalities, that matter.”
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