Accountability and Transparency – Township of Jocelyn

Accountability and Transparency

Accountability and transparency are fundamental to the operations of municipal government.

The Township of Jocelyn acknowledges the importance of transparency and accountability in its operations, actions, and proceedings and is committed to conducting business according to provincial legislative guidelines.

You may submit a complaint if you have identified or witnessed behaviour or activity by a Member of Council that you believe contravenes the Council Code of Conduct or Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.

Formal Complaint Form

You have selected to complete a Formal Complaint Form in good faith that you have already had conversations with Township staff or departments and remain dissatisfied with the outcome of said conversations. Since you feel that your initial concerns have not been addressed adequately, you may submit a written complaint by completing the online Complaint Form or by downloading and printing the form provided at the link below and mailing, emailing, faxing or submitting in person the completed form to the Clerk.

MAIL: 3670 5th Side, RR #1

Hilton Beach, ON

P0R 1G0

EMAIL: admin@jocelyn.ca

FAX: (705) 246-3282

The Township of Jocelyn recognizes the importance of public input and recognizes formal complaints as valuable forms of feedback. The Township of Jocelyn will deal with all formal complaints promptly, courteously, impartially, and professionally.

If the complaint involves the Clerk-Treasurer, the Reeve or designated alternate will investigate and respond.

Complaints must be filed within seven (7) days after the alleged event. Once a formal complaint is received, the Clerk’s Department will contact the complainant within two (2) business days. The Municipal Clerk or designate will, if appropriate, refer the complaint to the appropriate Department Head for their review. Upon review of the complaint, the Department Head shall provide a response and any required information to Clerk within five (5) business days outlining the decision with respect to the complaint and reasons for how the decision was determined. This response shall include any steps taken to rectify the complaint, mitigate future complaints of a similar nature and improve services going forward.

The Municipal Clerk shall, upon review of the Department Head’s report, provide the complainant with a letter outlining the decision along with clear and understandable reasons for how the decision on the complaint was determined.

PRINT AND FILL IN FORM LINK:

Jocelyn Township Formal Complaint Form

ONLINE COMPLAINT FORM LINK:

Jocelyn Township Online Complaint Form

Integrity Commissioner

The Township of Jocelyn is committed to open, transparent government. As part of that commitment and as required under the Municipal Act, Council has appointed an Integrity Commissioner.

The Integrity Commissioner is required to perform their assigned duties in an impartial and independent manner, and reports directly to Council.

Provide education and training to Council and applicable members of local boards, about their responsibilities under the Code of Conduct and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.
Provide advice and assistance to Council and applicable local boards about how the Code of Conduct, Municipal Conflict of Interest Act and policies and procedures regarding ethical behavior apply to their activities.
Provide advice and recommendations regarding the content of the Code of Conduct and complaint protocol.
Investigate, assess and where applicable, report on complaints of alleged breach of the Code of Conduct and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.
Respond to inquiries from the public.
Provide reports to Council regarding the performance of their duties.

The Integrity Commission appointed by the Township of Jocelyn Council is:

Integrity Commissioner: J. Paul R. Cassan

Telephone: (705) 949-600

If you were unable to find a resolution through an initial complaint, you may file a written complaint directly to the Integrity Commissioner.

All formal complaints should contain the following information:

Name of the municipality
Your name, mailing address, phone number and email address
Detailed description of the behaviour or action and how it was in contravention with the Code of Conduct or Municipal Conflict of Interest Act
Any and all evidence to support the allegation
Any activities undertaken (if any) to resolve the concern prior to submitting a formal complaint
Any additional information
Your signature

Closed Meeting Investigator

The Ontario Ombudsman acts as the closed meeting investigator for the Township of Jocelyn. Please view the Ombudsman’s Open Meetings Guide for Municipalities to learn more about the open meeting rules.

If you believe that the Township of Jocelyn did not follow the closed meeting procedures outlined in Section 238 and 239 of the Municipal Act, you can make a complaint to the Ombudsman who will complete an independent investigation into the matter. Please complete the online Closed Meeting Investigation Request to submit your complaint.