Why Have An Integrity Commissioner? BENN

08/25/2025

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There are two at play in the findings of the integrity commissioner Karen Shepherd about Rideau-Vanier Councillor Stephanie Plante’s on-line discourse.

Are councillors courageous enough to reprimand one of their own?

The matter involving College Councillor Rick Chiarelli was easy. The integrity commissioner investigated the reported multiple instances of conduct unbecoming that expected of a councillor (or anyone for that matter) and recommended the maximum financial penalties for three specific instances. Council took little time to endorse the recommended findings and penalties.

In contrast, consider council’s reaction to then Barrhaven Councillor Jan Harder’s obvious-to-everyone except the oblivious Jan Harder conflict-of-interest infraction.

One of Harder’s staff was assigned the task of reviewing/tracking planning department files. The problem was that that individual was the daughter of a consultant who offered his services on matters before the planning department. Files that would eventually make there way to the planning committee chaired by Harder. Harder refused, in a very public manner, to accept the integrity commissioner’s findings of creating a conflict of interest.

Ottawa City Council accepted Harder’s resignation as chair of the planning committee and then asked if anyone needed their coffee topped up. No censure for an egregious failure to consider whether this represented a conflict of interest, real or perceived. No financial penalties. Now about that coffee.

On to the Stephanie Plante matter. The integrity commissioner has examined the case and concluded that the nature and tone of Plante’s on-line comments Plante fell into the territory of conduct unbecoming. We will have to wait for the council’s decision.

Which brings me to the second issue. If councillors are not prepared to hold themselves and their colleagues to the standards that council endorsed, why bother having an integrity commissioner? Just close down the office and apply the savings to reduce the operating deficit.

Ron Benn, a finance executive, has been a member of the Centrepointe Community Association for the better part of three decades.