Toronto's top watchdog said the city's current rules of conduct for officials "lack teeth" and urged it to follow up on an old recommendation to draft a stronger set of rules.
City of Toronto Obudsman Fiona Crean called on the city to create a Toronto Public Service Act that would outline the rules for all public servants, as well as clarify them to councilors and residents.
Crean said this document was recommended six years ago but was never implemented.
"It has never been tougher to be a public servant in Toronto," Crean wrote in her annual report. "A public service act would strengthen the existing buffers between councilors, public and staff at City Hall and ensure effective decision making."
Crean noted an ambiguity and a lack of clarity concerning the rules governing conduct of the city's officials.
"There is a variety of policies and guidelines, but there is no foundation document that gives city employees a coherent and comprehensive picture of their rights and responsibilities in law," the ombudsman said.
"The existing policies cover a charter of expectations, conflict of interest and whistle blowing. They are a good start, but they lack teeth. Toronto needs a more complete and thorough rule book."
Crean said the act would establish roles and responsibilities for public servants, and outline the duties of public servants, while ensuring a non-partisan, professional, ethical and effective administration.
The ombudsman also recommended that the city maintains proper levels of training and skills development for its staff despite a bid by Mayor Rob Ford to shave down a massive debt.
Crean noted that her investigations have found that employees received little or no formal training when promoted while others did not receive ongoing training to refresh their skills.
"During times of fiscal restraint, training budgets are often the first ones offered up for reduction," she said.
