Suzanne Craig has been given a four-year contract to continue as Bracebridge’s integrity commissioner.
She’s held the role since April 2022. The new agreement will begin in April 2025 after the current contract expires. It will run until April 2029.
In a report to Bracebridge’s Sept. 3 General Committee meeting, Tina Arbuckle, deputy clerk, says Craig will receive a $5,000 annual retainer along with an hourly rate of $300, which is an increase of $50.
She adds Craig has also held the same role for the District of Muskoka, Gravenhurst, Muskoka Lakes, and Georgian Bay since 2019 and Lake of Bays since 2021.
Arbuckle explains how the provincial Municipal Act outlines how every municipality in Ontario must have a Code of Conduct and appoint an integrity commissioner to independently handle any complaints about councillors, town staff, or citizen members of town-run boards or committees.
“During her time as integrity commissioner, Mrs. Craig has provided advice on matters pertaining to the Code of Conduct, the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, other areas as required under the act and provided training to members of council as part of orientation training for the 2022-2026 term of council,” explains Arbuckle.
She notes in her report that Craig dealt with 15 general inquiries and no complaints about the town’s Code of Conduct in 2023/24. In both categories, it’s the least Craig has dealt with over her three years as integrity commissioner.
Arbuckle included Craig’s annual report where it’s noted the town paid her $6,497.50 for her work between May 2023 and May 2024.
Bracebridge’s Mayor Rick Maloney and his council colleagues approved the recommendation.
“We’ve been well served by her sage advice on any inquiries we’ve had,” said Maloney.
