Accountability and Transparency Policy

Policy statement

The Corporation of the Town of Oakville (town) provides good government in an accountable and transparent manner by:

• providing for public access and participation to ensure that decision making is responsive to the needs of all its citizens;
• delivering high quality services; and
• promoting the efficient use of public resources.

Accountability, transparency and openness are standards of good government that enhance public trust.  They are achieved through the town adopting measures ensuring, to the best of its ability, that all activities and services are undertaken utilizing a process that is open and accessible to the public. In addition, whenever possible, the municipality will engage the public throughout its decision making process which will be open, visible and transparent.

Purpose

The Municipal Act, 2001 (the Act) requires the town to adopt and maintain a policy with respect to the manner in which the town will ensure that it is accountable to the public for its actions, and the manner in which the municipality will ensure that its actions are transparent to the public. The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance for the delivery of the municipality’s activities and services in accordance with the principles as outlined herein.

This policy incorporates three principles for guiding action:

1. Accountability
2. Inclusiveness
3. Transparency

This policy is aligned with the corporate values of the town to be accountable, dedicated, honest, innovative, respectful, and to work as a team.

Scope

This policy applies equally to the political process, decision making, and to the administrative management of the town. Within the broad accountability framework, legislation provides various checks and balances to ensure accountability and transparency. The town’s accountability initiatives, measures and activities to ensure open and accountable governance are set out in Appendix A, which shall be amended as required to include new programs and initiatives upon their introduction.

Definitions

Accountability: the principle that the municipality will be responsible to the public for decisions made and policies implemented, as well as its actions or inactions.

Inclusiveness: the principle that the municipality actively encourages and fosters public participation and openness in its decision making processes.

Transparency: the principle that the municipality’s decision making process is open, clear and understandable to the public.