Governance Committee

That the deputation by Bev Knox, Resident, regarding the Integrity Commissioner’s Report on Code of Conduct - Political Endorsements be received. 7.2 Item 10.1 Kim Pines, Resident Kim Pines, Resident, spoke to a recent complaint she filed with the Integrity Commissioner, and their response regarding publicly endorsing election candidates/political party which may be interpreted as leveraging their official status and office to influence voters. Ms. Pines provided examples of a recent social media post to demonstrate private opinion vs official representation. Ms. Pines noted that while political members are not required to maintain neutrality, public perception of fairness and non-partisanship is pillar of municipal service. Ms. Pines raised concerns regarding the public's perception regarding public official's endorsements, affiliations that influence voters, and requested a review and clarification of Section 6 and 7 of the city's Code of Conduct. In response to Councillor Damerla's enquiry regarding the Integrity Commissioner's response to Ms. Pines' complaint, Diana Rusnov, City Clerk, advised that the Integrity Commissioner is an independent body and as such is not required to provide copies of correspondence, and that she would reach out to the Integrity Commissioner regarding best practices of providing dated letters. Members of Committee engaged in discussion regarding Councillor's public endorsement of an election candidate and party; raised concerns regarding others

That the deputation by Kim Pines, Resident, regarding the Integrity Commissioner’s Report on Code of Conduct - Political Endorsements be received. Received 7.3 Item 10.1 Charlene Haupt, Resident Charlene Haupt, Resident spoke regarding her experience while volunteering for a candidate's campaign and the feedback she received from residents was that they were frustrated with public office, noting the public perception is that when a Member of Council endorses an individual, they are using their seat as a Member of Council and not as an individual. RECOMMENDATION GOV-0-014-2025 That the deputation by Charlene Haupt, Resident, regarding the Integrity Commissioner’s Report on Code of Conduct - Political Endorsements be received. 7.4 Item 10.2 Ashish Fitkariwala, Resident Ashish Fitkariwala, Resident did not attend 7.5 Nicole Danesi, Resident, with respect to increasing voter turnout Nicole Danesi expressed concerns regarding persons with physical challenges who were unable to vote as a result of the option to mail in ballots during the Mayoral by-election was not available and emphasized the importance and the need for City Council to make voting more accessibility to all their residents. Ms. Danesi recommended that Council consider implementing mail in ballots for all city elections, testing of high traffic areas for advance poll locations, create a task force to study why voter turnout is so low. Councillor Mahoney commented on the challenges and issues with mail in ballots and

That the deputation by George Tavares, Resident, regarding the Integrity Commissioner’s Report on Code of Conduct - Political Endorsements be received. 8. PUBLIC QUESTION PERIOD - 15 Minute Limit - Nil 9. CONSENT AGENDA That the following items were approved under the Consent Agenda; 10.3 Status of the Governance Committee Work Plan 12.1 Ontario Supporting Stronger Local Governance 12.2 Item 10.1 Letter dated May 12, 2025 from Athina Tagidou, Resident 10. MATTERS CONSIDERED 10.1 Integrity Commissioner Report on Code of Conduct - Political Endorsements 1. Mississauga Memo Endorsement of Candidates - IC Report.pdf Councillor Mahoney recommended that the Code of Conduct be amended to include a clause that states that “Members of Council shall not use their title (Mayor or Councillor X) or social media accounts to endorse candidates at the municipal, provincial or federal level during elections”. Diana Rusnov, City Clerk, noted the challenges of enforcement of complaints regarding perceived endorsements. Members of Committee engaged in discussion regarding the many possibilities that may be perceived as endorsements. RECOMMENDATION GOV-0017-2025 Moved By Deputy Mayor and Councillor Matt Mahoney That the Integrity Commissioner’s Report dated May 2025 on the Code of Conduct –Political Endorsements be received for information, and that the Governance Committee directs that the Code of Conduct be amended to include a clause that states that “Members of Council shall not use their tit

That the Governance Committee Work Plan items, updated for the May 12, 2025 Governance meeting, be approved.

That the Ontario Supporting Stronger Local Governance article dated May 1, 2025 be received for information.