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City hires first-ever integrity commissioner

Sometimes you've just got to have a licensed private investigator
2017-04-14 Civic Centre DMH-2
City Hall file photo. Donna Hopper/SooToday

The City of Sault Ste. Marie has chosen Ironside Consulting Services Inc. of Prince Twp. as its first integrity commissioner.

Headed by human resources, labour relations and management consultant Antoinette Blunt, Ironside will be paid $205 an hour on an as-needed basis to enforce the city's code of conduct for Mayor Christian Provenzano and members of City Council.

The Prince Twp. firm was chosen over two other proposals from MNP LLP of Toronto and Sage Analytics of Edmonton.

Approved by City Council last year, the Sault's code of conduct covers issues including harassment, discrimination, abuse, bullying, intimidation, improper use of influence, undue influencing of staff, gifts and benefits, confidentiality, use of city property, work of a political or personal nature and business relations.

The new integrity commissioner is expected to:

  • provide written and oral advice to members and city staff concerning the interpretation of and compliance with the code of conduct for council and local boards governing the ethical behaviour of the members
  • provide council and its local boards with specific and general opinions and advice on the interpretation of the code, including revisions
  • conduct inquiries into a request made by council, a local board, a member, a member of city staff or any person demonstrably acting in the public interest into whether a member has contravened any application provision of the code
  • attempt to settle any complaint between the complainant and the member before commencing an inquiry

Antoinette Blunt has a masters degree in public administration and a bachelor of science degree in nursing.

She has more than 15 years experience as a consultant and more than 20 years experience in health care management.

Blunt is also a licensed private investigator who has performed workplace investigations involving allegations of bullying, harassment and violence, as well as Human Rights Code violations.

Other Ironside staff are Janice Hodgson and Brianna Forbes.

 


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David Helwig

About the Author: David Helwig

David Helwig's journalism career spans seven decades beginning in the 1960s. His work has been recognized with national and international awards.
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