Halton Region turns to veteran to fill integrity watchdog role

A veteran in municipal legal matters is set to become the integrity commissioner for Halton Region.

Suzanne Craig has served in the role for a host of governing bodies, including the cities of Barrie and Vaughan, the towns of Gravenhurst and Huntsville, and various school boards.

Halton Regional Council authorized her appointment to the position at its May 24 meeting. Her term will run from July 1 to Dec. 31, 2027.

The purpose of the integrity commissioner is to, in short, act as an authority that applies municipal codes of conduct governing the ethical behaviour of council members.

In her past experience, Craig was called upon to weigh in on the matter of Facebook comments made by then-Orillia councillor Keenan Aylwin. 

The Region currently uses Principles Integrity, a Toronto-based firm offering similar services. Its contract with the municipality will expire on June 30.

The City of Burlington has opted to re-appoint Principles Integrity for the current council term.