Legislative History: Adopted December 17, 2007 (By-law No. A.-6151-17); Amended July 24, 2018 (By-law No. A.-6151(v)-420; Amended August 10, 2021 (By-law No. A.-6151(ab)-221 (Schedule F)); Amended July 25, 2023 (By-law No. A.-6151(ai)-182 (Schedule F))
Last Review Date: July 25, 2023
Service Area Lead: City Clerk
1. Policy Statement
1.1 The Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25 requires that all municipalities adopt and maintain a policy with respect to the manner in which the municipality will strive to ensure that it is accountable to the public for its actions, and the manner in which the municipality will try to ensure that its actions are transparent to the public. City Council and the Civic Administration acknowledge the importance of the transparency of its proceedings and accountability for its actions. The City of London’s mission is improving quality of life and building a strong and vibrant community through bold, proactive, and accountable City services. This commitment is further delineated in City Council’s values of:
- Inclusivity and Respect
- Accountability and Trust
- Compassion
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Commitment and Drive
- Learning
- Financial Stewardship
2. Definitions
2.1 “Accountability” the principle that City Council and the Civic Administration be responsible to the public for decisions made and policies implemented
2.2 “Transparency” the principle that City Council and the Civic Administration’s decision making process is open and clear to the public.
3. Applicability
3.1 This policy shall apply to City Council and all employees of The Corporation of the City of London.
4. The Policy
4.1 City Council shall ensure accountability and transparency of the operations of the municipality, including the activities of senior management, through the use of an accountability and transparency framework comprised of 5 key areas:
a) Purpose
- Clearly articulating the vision, mission, values, strategic areas of focus, and results of the organization in the form of a Strategic Plan for the City of London
- Engaging in activities that are consistent and aligned with the Strategic Plan for the City of London
b) Decision Making
- Undertaking a decision making process that is open, transparent, and accessible to the public
- Engaging effectively and openly with the public and other community partners
c) Communication with the Public
- Communicating with the public so that they are able to participate effectively
- Taking into consideration the needs of individuals, when making information public, through the use of accessible communication mediums and technology.
- Encouraging community engagement opportunities by leveraging the City of London’s Open Data Portal
- Following all applicable legislation governing the sharing of information, including the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.56
d) Performance
- Being accountable to the public for performance by defining targets for performance in each Council term and reporting on performance on an annual basis
- Ensuring the concept of continuous improvement is implemented throughout the organization
e) Appropriate Behaviour and Conduct
- The actions of City Council and the Civic Administration being governed in accordance with, but not limited to, the following policies and by-laws:
- Code of Conduct for Members of Council Policy
- Public Release of Information Pertaining to Investigations Undertaken by the Ontario Ombudsman Policy
- Members of Council Public Registry Declaration of Interest
- Council Procedure By-law
- Procurement of Goods and Services Policy
- Access and Privacy Policy
- Public Notice Policy
- Community Engagement Policy
- Code of Ethics Policy
- Respectful Workplace Policy
4.2 Notwithstanding section 4.1(b) above, a council or standing committee meeting or part of a meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to a provision(s) contained in section 239 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25.