Amberley Gavel Limited could be the new Integrity Commissioner for the city.

It is the recommendation from city staff for a number of reasons.  The biggest one would be the company’s familiarity with Northern Ontario.

Councillor Noella Rinaldo praises the potential move.

“These are very well known lawyers, very well known (with) the Municipal Act, very well respected.  I think we’d be crazy not to take advantage of that,” she said, “They know us, they know Northern Ontario and they’re known throughout Ontario…and throughout Canada.”

The cost was also a talking point, coming in at a modest $5,000 retainer for a four-year term.  It would also cost $300 an hour whenever they’re investigating something.

The move is needed as the city has recently adopted a Code of Conduct with the implementation of Bill 8.  Both the CoC and Bill 8 state the role is needed.

The contract itself was sole-sourced, so the often vocal critic on that particular issue spoke.

“I know the gentleman are very qualified…I’m told we’re within the ballpark but we don’t know unless we put an RFP (Request for Proposal) out,” said Councillor Rick Dubeau.

“I would think we would try to contract different companies and different things, especially with this aspect so I’m definitely not comfortable at sole-sourcing this.  We should put an RFP out.”

CLICK HERE for the report.

This will be voted on at a future meeting.

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