Suzanne Craig has delivered her final report as integrity commissioner for the Town of The Blue Mountains.
Craig, who will finish her contract as integrity commissioner at the end of March, made her final report as a delegation at council’s meeting on March 11.
In April, Principles Integrity will take over the role after council voted last year to make the switch. Principles Integrity provides the service to every other municipality in Grey County.
In her report, Craig detailed the various instances of advice she had provided to council from the end of the municipality election in Oct. 2022 to March 4, 2024.
In addition, Craig also outlined the 33 Code of Conduct inquiries her office had received during those months. The inquiries led to one report to council that found there was no contravention. Her services cost the town $34,691.
Craig praised town staff for their support and assistance during her time as integrity commissioner the past six and a half years.
“I would like to extend my appreciation to the town clerk, Ms. Corrina Giles, who has assisted me in this reporting period and throughout my time as the appointed integrity commissioner in an understanding of the rules and policies of the town and the town’s procedural bylaw,” she said in her report. “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to CAO Shawn Everitt. I have worked with many CAO’s and city managers in my time to date as an integrity commissioner for over 30 municipalities and CAO Everitt stands head and shoulders above most in his dedication to the Town of The Blue Mountains, staff and council, through his care, compassion and integrity. It has been an honour and a privilege fulfilling my mandate as integrity commissioner for the Town of The Blue Mountains.”
Craig received universal praise from members of council.
Deputy Mayor Peter Bordignon thanked her for her “guidance, intelligence and experience” and said her work and decisions were “engaging, informative and fair.”
Other councillors agreed.
“I really appreciate all the help you have given me personally. I’m very grateful to you,” said Coun. Paula Hope.
Everitt thanked Craig on behalf of the staff of the municipality, while Mayor Andrea Matrosovs added her kudos.
“Thank you so much for everything you have done for the Town of The Blue Mountains,” she said.
