Conflicts of Interest Registry

Information about the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act

As of March 1, 2019, the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act and the Municipal Act, 2001 together establish a new, integrated framework for municipal conflict of interest rules.

Under this new framework, the Integrity Commissioner’s responsibilities have expanded. Specifically, the Integrity Commissioner is now responsible for providing Members of Council and members of the City’s local boards with conflict of interest advice.

Anyone who believes a Member of Council or a member of a local board has contravened the conflict of interest rules in the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act may apply to the Integrity Commissioner to request an investigation.

For more information about the City of Burlington's Integrity Commissioner please view our Integrity Commissioner page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when a member has a conflict of interest?

When a member has a conflict of interest, they are expected to:

Disclose the interest and the general nature of the interest before the matter is considered at a meeting;
Complete the Conflict of Interest Form;
Not participate in the discussion or vote on the matter;
Not attempt to influence the voting on the matter before, during or after the meeting.

Who can file for an inquiry?

An eligible elector or a person demonstrably acting in the public interest who believes a member has contravened the conflict of interest rules in the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, may apply to the Integrity Commissioner for an inquiry.

Are there any restrictions on when an applicant can apply?

An applicant must apply to the Integrity Commissioner for an inquiry within six weeks of becoming aware of the conflict of interest.
In a municipal election year, the Integrity Commissioner cannot accept applications between Nomination Day (the fourth Friday in July and Voting Day (the fourth Monday in October).
If an individual becomes aware of a conflict of interest during this period, the applicant must apply to the Integrity Commissioner within six weeks after Voting Day.
If the Integrity Commissioner has not completed an investigation before Nomination Day in a municipal election year, the investigation must be terminated on Nomination Day.

How to apply for an Inquiry

An individual, who believes a Member of Council or a member of a local board has violated the conflict of interest rules in the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, may apply to the Integrity Commissioner for an inquiry into the matter.

Public registry of declarations of interest

The City maintains a Pecuniary Interest Conflicts Registry of all declarations of interest filed by Members of Council and members of the City’s local boards and advisory committees. The registry includes a copy of the declaration and a link to the agenda item.