Compliance Audit Committee

Candidates in municipal elections are required to file financial statements that disclose contributions received and expenses incurred during their election campaign. 

If an eligible elector believes, on reasonable grounds, that a candidate has contravened the campaign finance rules set out in the Municipal Elections Act, they may apply for a compliance audit of the candidate's financial statements.

These applications are reviewed by the Compliance Audit Committee. The Township of South Glengarry participates in a Joint Compliance Audit Committee with the the municipalities throughout the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry.

Authority of the Committee

The Compliance Audit Committee's authority is established under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996. Depending on the circumstances, the Committee may:

• Consider applications for a compliance audit of a candidate's campaign finances.
• Decide whether there are reasonable grounds to grant a compliance audit.
• Receive and consider the findings of an appointed auditor.
• Determine whether legal proceedings should be commenced against a candidate based on the auditor's report.
• Consider requests regarding compliance audits of registered third party advertisers, where applicable under the Act.

The Committee only has authority over matters specifically assigned to it under the Municipal Elections Act.

When is the Committee Engaged?

The Compliance Audit Committee only meets when an eligible application has been received. Applications must be submitted within the timeline established by the Municipal Elections Act following the filing of a candidate's financial statements. 

Additional Information:

• SDG Joint Compliance Audit Committee Terms of Reference
• Ontario Municipal Candidates' Guide - Compliance and Enforcement