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Ontario’s Municipal Accountability Act, 2025 Receives Royal Assent
Date: June 3, 2026
On June 2, 2026, Bill 9, Municipal Accountability Act, 2025 received Royal Assent. The legislation represents a significant shift in how municipal ethics are governed in Ontario, establishing a centralized and standardized accountability framework across all municipalities.
The Act’s substantive provisions—amending the City of Toronto Act, 2006 and the Municipal Act, 2001—will come into force on a future date to be proclaimed, potentially in stages.
Key Highlights
Province‑Wide Code of Conduct
Bill 9 replaces locally developed municipal codes of conduct with a single, provincially prescribed standard. Once in force, all municipalities and local boards will be required to comply with this uniform framework.
Expanded Provincial Oversight
The Integrity Commissioner of Ontario (OIC) will play a central oversight role, including supporting training, advising locally appointed Integrity Commissioners, and investigating serious misconduct.
Mandatory Training
A standardized, mandatory training regime will apply to locally appointed Integrity Commissioners and elected officials across the province.
Formal Enforcement Framework
The Act introduces a structured, two‑step discipline process:
- Municipal investigation by the locally appointed Integrity Commissioner
- Provincial inquiry by the OIC for more serious cases
Removal from Office Mechanism
For the first time, the legislation creates a formal mechanism for removing elected officials from office in cases of serious misconduct. Removal requires:
- a recommendation from the OIC
- near‑unanimous approval of council
The regime also includes defined thresholds, procedural safeguards, and limited timeframes for enforcement.
Procedural Controls
Locally appointed Integrity Commissioners will have greater discretion to screen complaints, and additional procedural requirements will be set through regulation.
Regulatory Framework to Follow
Many operational details—including the content of the code of conduct and training requirements—will be addressed in future regulations.
Final Considerations
While municipal councillors are not employees, Bill 9 materially reshapes accountability, oversight, and conduct expectations at the municipal level. These changes may affect workplace dynamics, governance practices, and risk exposure within municipal organizations—particularly as the next municipal election cycle approaches.
If you have any questions or require more information about how the Municipal Accountability Act, 2025 may impact your municipality, please contact your Hicks Morley lawyer.
The article in this client update provides general information and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. This publication is copyrighted by Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP and may not be photocopied or reproduced in any form, in whole or in part, without the express permission of Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP. ©