On March 7, 2017 the Council of the Township of Woolwich approved the Code of Conduct for Council, Local Boards and Advisory Committees. The Code of Conduct is intended to demonstrate a commitment to the public that members of Council, Local Boards and Committees of Council will act with integrity, fairness, consistency, respect and within the law without prejudice or bias.
At the same time Council approved appointing an Integrity Commissioner. The purpose of appointing an Integrity Commissioner along with the Code of Conduct is that this will further support commitment to the Code and will ensure that provisions of the Code are enforced.
Integrity Commissioner
The Integrity Commissioner provides independent and consistent complaint investigation and resolution, respecting the application of the Code of Conduct. The Integrity Commissioner reports directly to Council.
Although the Provincial Ombudsman's office would have a role in investigating complaints relating to the Code of Conduct, should it escalate to that level, the Ombudsman's office has encouraged municipalities to implement complaint processes at the local level and to use the Ombudsman's office as a last resort. They have taken the position that "it is in the public's interest to ensure citizens can get help with local issues in their communities".
In April of 2017 Council appointed ADR Chambers as the Township's Integrity Commissioner. The application process to the Integrity Commissioner is included in the Code of Conduct policy.