Municipal councils across Ontario that have been urging the province to give them the ability to impose stricter sanctions on unethical councillors will have to wait a while longer.

Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Paul Calandra had said in the spring that he was working on the issue and would bring the long-promised plan to present at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference in August.

But that conference wrapped up today and legislation is still not ready, as the minister awaits recommendations from the province’s integrity commissioner.

Municipalities for years have been calling for updated codes of conduct to address workplace harassment, as well as stricter penalties for those who violate those rules, up to removing them from office.

Calandra said in the spring that it has proven to be more complex than he thought, so he wanted to consult more and seek advice from Ontario’s integrity commissioner.

A spokesperson for Calandra says a report from the commissioner is now expected some time this fall.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 21, 2024.