John
Tory unveils 'Clean Start' integrity plan for Toronto
Includes lobbyist registry,
guidelines for officials, an Ethics and
Integrity Commissioner 10
point plan designed to restore trust and
confidence in city government
TORONTO, May 29 /CNW/ - Toronto mayoral candidate John Tory today
announced
a 10-point Clean Start plan to restore trust and confidence in the city's
government.
"Today marks a clean start in restoring trust in our city
government," Tory told a morning news conference. "I stated
months ago that my first priority as mayor would be the introduction of an
integrity package and I intend to work with Council, the province and
others to do just that.
"Toronto deserves better than the delays and lack of political
will to address this problem head on. It's time for fresh perspective,
truly new leadership and a bias for action and solutions in the mayor's
office. Other candidates had the chance to move on these issues while in
office during the past decade. They did not act. I will."
The three lead elements of the proposed Clean Start plan include:
the most comprehensive municipal lobbyist registry in Canada; revisions to
the city's Code of Conduct for elected officials and the Conflict of
Interest Policy for city employees, and the appointment of an independent
Ethics and Integrity Commissioner for the city of Toronto.
The complete Clean Start plan includes:
1. The most comprehensive municipal lobbyist registry in Canada.
2. Tough Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy.
3. Independent Ethics and Integrity Commissioner.
4. Clear city purchasing policies.
5. Spot audits by city Auditor General of any internal activity,
anywhere and at any time.
6. A one-year cooling-off period for former councillors and city
employees.
7. More open Council meetings with fewer private sessions.
8. Taking Council to the people by holding meetings outside City
Hall.
9. Guidelines for benefits and perks the city gives elected
officials and employees.
10.A mayor's office that leads by example with a clear set of
ethical quidelines.