Toronto needs to make sure its employees have a clearer idea of what their roles and responsibilities are and who they are ultimately serving, says the city's ombudsman.
Fiona Crean made the comments in an annual report released today.
In the report, she said the city must create a Public Service Act to strengthen the existing "buffers" between councillors and staff.
"Right now there is ambiguity and a lack of clarity about the rules governing everyone's conduct. 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," Crean said in a press release. "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."
In her 32-page report, Crean said the city should ask the provincial government to enact a Public Service Act as soon as possible.
According to Crean, the act would outline the rules and regulations surrounding the political activities of public servants, establish a framework for the management of the public service and make clear the role of the public service. The document would be made available to the public as well as employees.
"Such legislation would ensure a non-partisan, professional and ethical administration that would better serve the public, the government and city council," Crean said in the press release.
In addition to establishing a Public Service Act, Crean's report urges the city to dedicate additional resources to the ongoing training of city workers.
Crean said that she found "inadequate support and technical training" for city workers particularly after they have been promoted to more senior roles and called on the city to make "ongoing skill development" available throughout the public service.
