Integrity Commissioner - Code of Ethical Conduct
Bylaw No. 9537, The Code of Ethical Conduct for Members of City Council Bylaw, 2019, requires that City Council appoint an Integrity Commissioner. City Council, at its meeting held on November 22, 2021, appointed Angela Kruk as the City of Saskatoon's Integrity Commissioner effective January 1, 2022. Ms. Kruk also serves as Integrity Commissioner for the City of Regina.
Contact information:
Angela Kruk, Integrity Commissioner
2500-13th Avenue, Unit #100
Regina SK S4P 0W2
306-949-5544
Email
To file a complaint with the Integrity Commissioner, complete Schedule "A" and submit to the above contact information.
Integrity Commissioner - Schedule "A" Complaint Form
The Use of Petitions and The Code of Ethical Conduct for Members of City Council
The Use of Petitions and The Code of Ethical Conduct for Members of City Council Bylaw, 2019 (“the Code of Ethics”)
In response to some citizen inquiries surrounding the use of petitions by Members of Council, the Integrity Commissioner was asked to provide advice, in terms of whether the use of a petition violated the provisions of the Code of Ethics.
After reviewing the Code of Ethics, the Integrity Commissioner has determined there are no specific provisions that deal with the use of petitions. Generally speaking, as elected officials, members are free to hold a position on an issue and to state that position in a respectful way (see s.32 of the Code). In fact, their position on an issue can often be attributed to why they were elected in the first place. Where a petition is used by a member to state their position and to gauge public support for that position, this does not seem offensive to the Code of Ethics.
However, there is one thing that needs to be pointed out: members must not be closed-minded when it comes to an issue. S.15(b) of the Code of Ethics states the following:
15. A member must in the discharge of their office:
(b) consider all decisions and issues thoughtfully, consistently, impartially, and fairly by considering all relevant facts, opinions, and perspectives.
The test laid down by the Supreme Court of Canada for establishing that a member is closed-minded and therefore biased, sets a high standard and appears difficult to meet. Wherever possible, citizens are encouraged to contact their elected official directly, to discuss their position on an important issue and to ensure the citizen’s perspective is considered.