City of Ottawa appoints Integrity Commissioner

The City of Ottawa has appointed Robert Marleau as the City’s Integrity Commissioner effective immediately.

The Integrity Commissioner, whose powers and duties are set out in the Municipal Act, 2001, will report directly to Council and oversee the City’s new Lobbyist Registry, which comes into effect on September 1, 2012.

In addition to the role of the Lobbyist Registrar, Mr. Marleau will fulfill the role of the City’s Meetings Investigator and provide input in creating a Code of Conduct for Members of Council, as well as any related policies, including the Expense Policy and Gifts Registry. Following Council adoption of these policies, the Integrity Commissioner will oversee their implementation, providing advice to Members of Council, issuing interpretations and, where necessary, investigating complaints and recommending sanctions.

Mr. Marleau has 32 years of parliamentary experience, including 13 years spent as the Clerk of the House of Commons. He has also served as the interim Privacy Commissioner of Canada and as the Information Commissioner of Canada.

Mr. Marleau has received many honours in recognition of his service to the people of Canada, including a Queen Elizabeth Golden Jubilee Medal, Canada 125 Medal, Commander, Ordre de la Pléiade et de la Francophonie and a Doctorate Honoris Causa from the University of Ottawa.

The Commissioner will produce an annual report summarizing complaints, investigations and advice and will make recommendations for any improvements to the accountability policies he oversees. Rulings and periodic reports by the Integrity Commissioner will be posted on ottawa.ca.

City Council approved the establishment of an Integrity Commissioner on July 11, 2012 as a key component of the Accountability Framework. Mr. Marleau was appointed from a pool of 18 candidates, 6 of whom were interviewed by a selection panel consisting of the City Clerk and Solicitor, the Auditor General and the Deputy City Clerk.

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