Item - 2019.EX3.13

The Executive Committee:

1.  Requested the City Clerk to report to the June 6, 2019 Executive Committee meeting on residency enforcement mechanisms in the City of Toronto appointment process.

I am writing to request that staff report on residency enforcement mechanisms in the City of Toronto appointment process.

It is a requirement that Council appointees be resident in the City of Toronto unless Council decides otherwise. Appointees are also required to disclose a change of status to their eligibility qualifications including residency. This is based on the principle that only those living in Toronto should be able to participate in Agencies, Boards and Commissions of the City. A local perspective and understanding is key to better decision making. Torontonians make better decisions for Toronto.

However, it has recently come to my attention that this requirement is subject to abuse. If an appointee leaves the City and takes up residence outside the City of Toronto, without reporting this change of status, there is no way for the public service to investigate or verify the change. Staff are only able to send an email or phone the appointee. If the appointee fails to respond, nothing happens, and this person who may be residing outside the City of Toronto will continue to retain their appointment.

For example: A Board of Health member could move to Ottawa, without providing notice. That person could still attend meetings of the Board of Health. If someone became aware of the change in residency, they could inform staff of the issue. Staff would try and contact the person. However, if that person failed to respond, ignoring the emails, there is no enforcement mechanism to remove that person from the Board of Health. 

I wish to try and find a way to remedy this problem and protect the integrity of the appointment process so residents of the City of Toronto continue to represent us on our Agencies, Boards and Commissions.