The Erosion of Local Democracy: Toxic Behavior and the Urgent Need for Reform
A disturbing trend is emerging across Ontario’s municipalities, threatening the very foundation of local democracy. Toxic behavior, including personal attacks, misinformation, and repeated ethics violations, is becoming increasingly common in council chambers, creating a hostile environment that discourages public service and erodes public trust. This isn’t just about political squabbles; it’s about the ability of our local governments to function effectively and represent the interests of their communities.
Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy, a 30-year veteran of municipal politics, provides a firsthand account of this troubling phenomenon. Despite significant progress on critical local issues, such as securing a new hospital and developing a long-term strategic plan, the Whitby council’s work is constantly disrupted by disruptive conduct. Breaches of the council’s code of conduct, personal attacks directed at council members and staff, and the spread of harmful misinformation have become commonplace, hindering the council’s ability to address the needs of its constituents.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Across Ontario, from small towns to large cities, municipalities are grappling with similar challenges. The Elect Respect campaign, spearheaded by Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and other municipal leaders, highlights the severity of the issue. Stories shared by participating councillors, including Milton Regional Councillor Sameera Ali, who felt unsafe to the point of having to relocate, and Mayor Meed Ward herself, who was threatened with being “hung in Civic Square for treason,” paint a stark picture of the hostility and intimidation faced by local representatives.
This toxic environment has far-reaching consequences. It deters qualified individuals, particularly from underrepresented groups, from seeking public office, further limiting diverse perspectives and representation in local government. It also drives dedicated public servants out of government altogether, leading to a loss of valuable experience and expertise. This ultimately undermines the effectiveness of local governance and diminishes the quality of services provided to residents.
The declining voter turnout in municipal elections further underscores the growing disillusionment with local government. In 2022, only 32.9% of eligible voters cast a ballot, a significant drop from 38.3% in 2018. This downward trend reflects not just apathy, but a growing distrust in the ability of local government to function effectively and represent the interests of its citizens. When poor behavior goes unchecked, it corrodes public trust and discourages civic engagement, creating a vicious cycle that further weakens local democracy.
The reintroduction of Bill 9, the Municipal Accountability and Integrity Act, 2025, offers a glimmer of hope. The bill proposes a mechanism for removing council members from office for serious violations of codes of conduct, a power currently lacking in Ontario municipalities. While the current framework allows for suspension of pay, it lacks the teeth to address truly egregious behavior. Bill 9 proposes that removal from office could occur following a recommendation from Ontario’s Integrity Commissioner and a unanimous vote by council members.
While this represents a significant step forward, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), along with Mayor Roy, advocates for two key amendments to strengthen the bill’s effectiveness. First, replacing the requirement for a unanimous vote with a two-thirds supermajority would provide a more realistic threshold while still ensuring due process. Second, expanding the range of disciplinary measures to include censure, suspension from committees, and removal from leadership roles, similar to provisions in the Education Act, would provide a more nuanced and effective approach to addressing misconduct. These amendments would provide municipalities with the necessary tools to hold their members accountable and maintain a respectful and productive environment.
The future of local democracy in Ontario hinges on addressing this growing crisis of toxic behavior. It requires a collective effort from elected officials, municipal staff, and residents to foster a culture of respect and accountability. Passing and strengthening Bill 9 is a crucial first step, but it must be accompanied by a broader commitment to ethical conduct, transparency, and respectful dialogue. Only then can we restore public trust, encourage greater civic engagement, and ensure that our local governments can effectively serve the needs of their communities.