The Office of the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario welcomes the Members’ Integrity Amendment Act, 2010, proclaimed into law on Sept. 13, 2010.

“The Members’ Integrity Act, 1994, provided the foundation for much of the important work conducted by this Office,” said Integrity Commissioner Lynn Morrison. “The amendments in this new legislation complete a number of necessary housekeeping matters, while also serving to ensure that Ontario’s elected officials continue to be guided by a high standard of integrity and a strong code of conduct.”

Among the changes, the amendments will:

- strengthen the Integrity Commissioner’s authority to enforce the code of conduct that governs members of the Ontario legislature;

- clarify the Integrity Commissioner’s jurisdiction so that Members of Provincial Parliament can seek advice during the election writ period;

- require unelected members of Cabinet and unelected leaders of the Official Opposition to adhere to the Act.

“These changes help maintain Ontario’s status as an ethics leader,” said Commissioner Morrison. “I would like to thank all members for their support.”

About the OIC
The Office of the Integrity Commissioner has five key responsibilities:
- Members’ Integrity
- Public service disclosure of wrongdoing (whistle-blowing)
- Expenses review for Cabinet Ministers, Opposition Leaders, and 22 of Ontario’s largest agencies
- Ministers’ staff ethical conduct
- Lobbyists registration

An Officer of the Legislative Assembly, the Integrity Commissioner is independent of government.

More information on the OIC and its work is available at www.oico.on.ca.
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Contact:
Cathryn Motherwell
Director, Office of the Integrity Commissioner
416-314-7811
cathryn.motherwell@oico.on.ca