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Identifying and Declaring Pecuniary Interests at Meetings

Interpretation Bulletin, Municipal Conflict of Interest Act Members of Council & Local Boards (Restricted Definition) developed by the Office of Integrity Commissioner of Toronto

Purpose and Scope of the Bulletin

1.  The purpose of this Interpretation Bulletin is to assist members of Council and local boards (restricted definition) (referred to as “a member” or “members” in this Bulletin) to understand their duty to identify, recuse themselves from and disclose pecuniary (or financial) interests.
2. This Bulletin provides guidance about members’ obligations set out in sections 5 and 5.1 of the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act (“MCIA” or “Act”).
3. This Bulletin does not address members’ other duties under section 5.2 of the MCIA which prohibits members from using their office to attempt to in any way influence any decision or recommendation in matters in which they have a pecuniary interest, or the applicable code of conduct.
4. Members should seek confidential advice from the Integrity Commissioner to address their specific interests and concerns, as they arise. The Act indicates that when reviewing MCIA complaints, a Court may consider whether the member sought and followed the advice of an Integrity Commissioner