The Whitby Council Consultant Disclosure Requirement is being introduced as part of an effort to strengthen transparency and public accountability at the municipal level.
Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy will present a notice of motion at the March 9 council meeting that would require all councillors to disclose details of any consultants, advisors or lobbyists they use in the course of their municipal duties. The proposal comes amid what the mayor described as increasing concern within the community regarding the use of paid political consultants by members of council.
According to the motion, transparency in municipal governance is essential to maintaining public trust. The Whitby Council Consultant Disclosure Requirement would obligate councillors to provide the names, roles and nature of services provided by any consultants, communications strategists, lobbyists or third party organizations that support them during their term of office.
The requirement would apply to individuals or firms that provide strategic, political, communications or advisory support. It would also apply to consultants who are engaged or compensated directly by a member of council, indirectly through a third party or supported through a political campaign or campaign account.
The motion emphasizes that proactive disclosure is particularly important when consultants are granted access to confidential town documents or in camera meeting content. Officials argue that transparency in these arrangements could help prevent potential conflicts of interest and protect the integrity of council operations.
Under the proposed Whitby Council Consultant Disclosure Requirement, councillors would be required to report the identity of the consultant or firm, the type of support provided such as communications strategy or lobbying, the source of compensation whether direct, indirect or in kind, and the time period during which the arrangement exists or existed.
The motion further proposes that Whitby’s Integrity Commissioner maintain a publicly accessible registry on the Town of Whitby website. The registry would be updated quarterly and would list all required disclosures, with confidential information redacted in accordance with applicable legislation.
In addition, the Integrity Commissioner would provide guidance to councillors regarding compliance expectations. Members of council would be required to update their disclosures within 30 days of entering into, modifying or terminating any arrangement covered under the policy.
If approved, the Integrity Commissioner would report back to council within 90 days with a full implementation framework. This would include standardized disclosure forms, registry formatting and any recommended amendments to Whitby’s Code of Conduct.
The Whitby Council Consultant Disclosure Requirement aims to reinforce transparency standards and strengthen public confidence in municipal decision making.
