Closed Meeting Investigations

Why are some meetings closed to the public?

Closed Meeting Investigation Information

Complaint Intake Form

Investigation Request Process

Reports by LAS/Amberley Gavel:

None

Ombudsman Ontario

As of January 1, 2016 the new Public Sector and MPP Accountability and Transparency Act, 2014 takes effect.  The Ontario Ombudsman has the power to investigate and resolve complaints about municipalities, universities and school boards.  This means that the Ontario Ombudsman can help Ontarians who have problems with these bodies, just as they help them with the 500+ provincial government organizations they oversee.       Ombudsman's website

However, this does not mean that the Ombudsman's office replaces existing complaint procedure; they just ensure they work as they should.

If you have a complaint about a closed meeting you should still be using the complaint procedure already in place.  Please review the links located above in order to lodge your complaint.  All complaints will be treated as confidential at all times and will be forwarded directly to Amberley Gavel Ltd., our third party, arms length, closed meeting investigators.

Reports by Ombudsman:

Heads of Council Meetings 2015

Bill 68, Modernizing Ontario's Municipal Legislation Act, 2017

 Legislative amendments to three key pieces of municipal legislation have been passed in the Modernizing Ontario's Municipal Legislation Act, 2017

The Municipal Act, 2001 sets out many of the roles, responsibilities and powers for Ontario's municipalities. 

The City of Toronto Act, 2006 sets a similar framework specifically for the City of Toronto, while reflecting Toronto's status as Ontario's largest municipality. 

The Municipal Conflict of Interest Act sets out conflict of interest rules for municipal council members and members of local boards. 

Some changes made as part of the Modernizing Ontario's Municipal Legislation Act, 2017 are already in force, while most changes will come into force at a later date.   One of the changes amending the Municipal Act 2001 that will come into force is additional reasons to go into a closed meeting.

Once those changes have come into effect the information will be updated in the Closed Meeting Investigation Information link above.