The Nation Municipality

The Nation Municipality is required by the province of Ontario to establish a code of conduct for its Members of Council and appoint an Integrity Commissioner who reports to Council and who is responsible for the application of the Council Code of Conduct. 

The Code of Conduct (also known as the Code of Ethics) applies to each member of the Council, Council Committees and Boards. All members must observe and comply with each of its provisions. 

The Code of Conduct sets ethical standards, rules, and expectations for Members of Council, committee members, and local board appointees. Its purpose is to promote integrity, accountability, transparency, and respectful conduct in municipal governance. It guides members in avoiding conflicts of interest, using municipal resources responsibly, and acting in ways that maintain public trust. 

By-Law 91-2025 To Adopt a Code of Conduct

Policy POL-CL-08-2025 Code of Conduct

The Integrity Commissioner By-law and Complaint Protocol complements the Code of Conduct by establishing an independent process to investigate complaints, provide advice, and enforce compliance with the Code, ensuring that any breaches are handled fairly and consistently. The Integrity Commissioner is an independent and impartial position that reports directly to Council. The Integrity Commissioner performs the following key functions:

1. Advisory Role:  The Integrity Commissioner provides confidential advice, either verbally or in writing, to the Mayor, Councillors, and members of local boards based on the Code of Conduct for Members of Council of The Nation Municipality, as well as other by-laws, policies, and procedures governing ethical behaviour, including general guidance on the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.
2. Investigative Role: Complaints regarding breaches of the Code of Conduct are submitted to the Integrity Commissioner in accordance with the complaint protocol approved by Council. If the Integrity Commissioner finds a breach, he may recommend that Council impose various sanctions. Available sanctions range from suspension of remuneration to a reprimand or an apology.
3. Educational Role:  The Integrity Commissioner is responsible for providing educational programs to members of Council and local boards.

By-Law 78-2025 Integrity Commissioner By-Law and Complaint Protocol

Anyone who has reasonable and probable grounds to believe that a member of The Nation Municipality Council has violated the Council Code of Conduct may file a complaint with the Integrity Commissioner. A complainant must pay a refundable fee of $300 when submitting a complaint. This fee is refundable if the complaint is not deemed frivolous or vexatious.

To submit a complaint, please follow these steps:

1. Complete the Official Complaint Form (Appendix B of By-law 78-2025, see below). The form can be printed from the website or obtained from the Administration Office.
2. In a sealed envelope marked “Private and Confidential”, include the following documentation and information:
   • The complainant’s name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address;
   • The original copy of the Official Complaint Form;
   • The original copy of the Additional Information Form (if applicable);
   • Any relevant documentation; and
   • A cheque in the amount of $300 made payable to “The Nation Municipality.”
3. Submit the envelope using one of the following two options:
   • By mail:
     The Nation Municipality
     Clerk’s Office
     Attention: Mr. Jean-Jacques LaCombe, Integrity Commissioner
     958 Route 500 West Casselman, Ontario K0A 1M0
   • In person:
     The Nation Municipality
     Clerk’s Office
     Attention: Mr. Jean-Jacques LaCombe, Integrity Commissioner
     958 Route 500 West
     Casselman, Ontario K0A 1M0

To preserve confidentiality, please ask the receptionist to speak with the Clerk without mentioning the nature of the complaint. The complaint submitted to the Clerk will be forwarded to the Integrity Commissioner without delay and without additional commentary. If desired, the complainant may submit the complaint confidentially by contacting the Clerk. However, the Commissioner may choose to disclose the complainant’s name if deemed necessary under the circumstances.

Formal Complaint Form / Affidavit (Appendix B)

Additional Information Form (Schedule A of Appendix B)