One of the biggest misconceptions about municipal government is that a Councillor can simply tell staff what to do.
In reality, that's not how Ontario municipalities are
governed - and there's a very good reason why.
Council's role is to govern. Staff's role is to administer.
Council sets the municipality's strategic direction by
passing by-laws, approving budgets, establishing policies, and making decisions
in the public interest.
Municipal staff are responsible for carrying out those
decisions, providing professional advice, managing day-to-day operations, and
ensuring the municipality complies with legislation.
Individual members of Council - including the Mayor and Councillors
- generally do not direct staff or supervise their work. Staff are
accountable through the municipality's administrative structure, which helps
ensure decisions are made consistently, professionally, and in accordance with
the law.
Having worked in municipal government, I saw firsthand why
this separation is so important. It allows staff to provide objective advice
based on legislation, technical expertise, and established policies, while
elected officials focus on representing residents and making policy decisions.
This separation also protects taxpayers.
It helps ensure that municipal decisions are based on facts,
legislation, and approved policies - not on who knows an elected official or
who speaks to them first. It promotes fairness, consistency, and accountability
for everyone.
That doesn't mean Councillors can't help. If a resident has
a concern, a Councillor can ask questions, seek information, advocate on behalf
of their community, and bring issues forward for discussion. But the day-to-day
administration of the municipality is the responsibility of municipal staff.
Understanding these distinct roles helps explain how good
municipal government works. When elected officials govern and staff administer,
everyone is able to do the job they've been entrusted to do, and residents are
better served because of it.