Vancouver’s Integrity Commissioner to Continue Work Amidst Uncertainty
The city of Vancouver’s Integrity Commissioner, Angela Marley, will continue her work for the time being, despite facing uncertainty in her role.
Marley was appointed as the city’s first Integrity Commissioner in 2019, with the mandate to investigate complaints of unethical conduct by elected officials and city staff. However, her position has been called into question after a recent court ruling deemed her appointment invalid.
The ruling, made by B.C. Supreme Court Justice Christopher Hinkson, stated that Marley’s appointment was not in accordance with the Vancouver Charter, which outlines the rules for the city’s governance. The charter states that the Integrity Commissioner must be appointed by a two-thirds majority vote of council, but Marley was appointed by a simple majority.
Despite this ruling, Marley will continue her work as Integrity Commissioner for the time being. In a statement released by the city, Marley expressed her commitment to fulfilling her duties and responsibilities until a resolution is reached.
“I am dedicated to upholding the integrity of the city’s government and will continue to do so until a decision is made on my appointment,” Marley stated.
The city has also announced that they will be appealing the court ruling, with Mayor Kennedy Stewart stating that they believe Marley’s appointment was valid and in accordance with the charter.
In the meantime, Marley will continue to investigate any complaints brought forward to her office. However, any decisions made by her may be subject to review and potential legal challenges due to the uncertainty surrounding her appointment.
This situation has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the city’s ethics and accountability measures. Some critics have called for a review of the charter to clarify the rules for the appointment of the Integrity Commissioner and prevent similar issues from arising in the future.
For now, the city of Vancouver will continue to operate with Marley as the Integrity Commissioner, but the future of her role remains uncertain.
