Municipalities struggle to cover the costs of federal and provincial cutbacks

The world's population is shifting to cities, and that means services traditionally provided by local governments are growing in scale and importance. From public transit and recreation facilities, to drinking water treatment, sewage infrastructure and policing and fire services, local government services are at the centre of our daily lives, our health and economic prosperity.

These services are provided for less than the typical cost of basic telephone and Internet and they are provided by the level of government that has by far the smallest share of tax revenue. (The Federation of Canadian Municipalities tags the local government portion at only eights cents out of every tax dollar.)

Forget federal and provincial politics; the action is local

Municipal Canada is in shambles. Toronto’s Rob Ford may the most egregious example, but there are many others. From Montreal and Quebec City to Winnipeg and Mississauga, mayors across the country are as dysfunctional a bunch as you could find.

Whether we’re talking allegations of corruption, conflict of interest or a video that appears to show crack-smoking, chief magistrates across the land are suddenly the object of national if not international attention.

Municipal election spending strangely exempt from oversight

For most criminal or regulatory offences, the process for investigating and prosecuting the alleged offender is, generally speaking, fairly similar. A police officer or other government agent investigates the alleged offence. If there’s enough evidence, the individual is charged. After that, the accused receives disclosure of the evidence against him. A trial ultimately follows, after which there are typically two opportunities to appeal.

In broad terms, this same general process unfolds for everything from parking infractions to shoplifting to murder. But not for the enforcement of Ontario’s municipal elections law.

Ontario ombudsman André Marin says municipalities ‘shockingly secretive’

Ontario ombudsman André Marin says the province must put “some teeth” into its government transparency legislation by penalizing municipal councils which break open meeting laws.

Saying “shocking secrecy” exists in some of Ontario’s 444 municipalities, Marin said the government should consider prosecuting councillors and making them face fines or jail time for holding secret meetings.