The Office welcomes the Honourable J. David Wake as Integrity Commissioner. His five-year appointment takes effect February 1, 2016.

Justice Wake is currently Vice-Chairperson of the federal Social Security Tribunal for Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security appeals, a position he has held since June 2013. From 2005 until his federal appointment he sat as a judge of the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton, and then in Ottawa. From 1999 to 2005 he was Associate Chief Justice of the Ontario Court of Justice. 

“I believe that the position of Integrity Commissioner is an important one at this time given the elevated public interest in scrutiny over conflict of interest and ethical matters pertaining to elected officials and their staffs. I look forward to assuming the duties of the Office in February,” said Justice Wake.

Current Integrity Commissioner Lynn Morrison is retiring after 28 years of public service. 

“It has been an honour, and I am deeply proud of what this Office has become,” said Commissioner Morrison. “I have seen the Office grow from one mandate to six. It is a recognition that integrity is an essential component in strengthening the public trust in government.”

Commissioner Morrison has been a vocal proponent of education and outreach. Her achievements include a report on the role of ministers’ staff at Queen’s Park with calls for better training and accountability, and amendments to the Lobbyists Registration Act, 1998 (to be proclaimed in the new year) which provide the Commissioner with investigative powers. She advocated for amendments to the Public Sector Expenses Review Act, 2009 which increase the Office’s powers to select which agencies, boards and commissions will have their travel, meal and hospitality expenses reviewed by the Office. Her work also resulted in significant amendments to strengthen the Members’ Integrity Act, 1994.

“I have had a tremendously rewarding career with the Office,” said Commissioner Morrison. “When I meet with MPPs, they frequently comment on how they confidently rely on the advice provided. This is a testament to the careful attention and thorough consideration provided by our staff. They have helped make the Office an effective ethics leader.”

Contact:

Cathryn Motherwell, Director
416-314-7811
cathryn.motherwell@oico.on.ca