Role of Council Members

The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MAH) has published a document called, "The Municipal Councillor's Guide." This guide provides an overview of the many duties and challenges elected officials at the municipal level face. In addition to the role of Council members highlighted below, the publication also outlines the functions carried out by School Board Trustees.

Mayor

The MAH guide is the source of this abbreviated description for the role of head of Council, which in the City of London is referred to as the Mayor:

to act as the municipality's chief executive officer;
to preside over council meetings such that business is carried out both efficiently and effectively;
to provide leadership to the council;
to provide information/recommendations to council on policies, practices, procedures, to ensure transparency and accountability; and,
to represent the municipality at official functions.

Councillors

This abbreviated description for the role of ward Councillor is based on the guide published by MAH :

to represent the public and to consider the well- being and interests of the municipality;
to develop and evaluate the policies and programs of the municipality;
to determine which services the municipality provides;
to maintain the financial integrity of the municipality;
to ensure that administrative policies practices are in place to implement the decisions of council; and,
to ensure the accountability and transparency of the operations of the municipality.