MAPLE Ridge City Council has appointed Anita Kaur Atwal as the City’s new independent Integrity Commissioner.
The City said that this underscores its commitment to transparency and accountability.
The appointment comes after Council adopted a new Code of Conduct Bylaw in January 2024 which outlines clear expectations for ethical behaviour among elected officials. This was in response to Council’s request to thoroughly review the previous outdated bylaw and that an impartial third party should conduct Council investigations. The Integrity Commissioner will be responsible for providing advice to Council members and conducting investigations under the bylaw.
“Appointing our first-ever Integrity Commissioner is a significant step forward for Maple Ridge – demonstrating our dedication to maintaining an open and honest government,” said Maple Ridge Mayor Dan Ruimy. “We are pleased to welcome Anita Atwal to the City and confident that her role will be pivotal in fostering trust with our residents and the professional conduct they expect from Council.”
The CVity said that Atwal, selected following a competitive process, brings a wealth of experience to this role as the principal of Anita Atwal Law (AAL), a firm specializing in investigations, mediations, training, governance, and organizational support. Atwal has been practicing law for over 18 years, servicing both the private and public sectors. She brings significant experience implementing and applying codes of conduct, conducting investigations, and advising on inclusive and respectful workplaces.
She is also a Chartered Professional in Human Resources, as well as a trained mediator, having received her training from the Harvard Law School Program on Negotiation. In addition, Atwal has been recognized for her leadership in the legal profession, having recently been awarded the Canadian Bar Association of B.C.’s Award for Equality and Diversity.
“I am honoured to work with the City of Maple Ridge as its new Integrity Commissioner,” said Atwal. “I am committed to working with Council to ensure that our elected officials maintain the highest standards of ethical conduct. My goal is to build on the culture of respect, integrity, transparency, and accountability at the City, which are key priorities for this Council.”
The appointment is for a two-year term ending June 30, 2026. As an independent officer, the duties of the Commissioner include:
- Providing advice and recommendations to Council members
- Educating Council members, the public, and staff about the Code of Conduct Bylaw
- Conducting investigations into complaints of alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct
Council, staff and committee members or volunteers who believe a member of Council has breached the Code of Conduct Bylaw can file a confidential complaint with the Integrity Commissioner. The office is developing policies and guidelines to support the complaints process. More information regarding the process will be made available.
For the latest updates visit, MapleRidge.ca/
The Integrity Commissioner reports to Council but performs their role independently on a contractual, as-needed basis and does not have a permanent office in the City of Maple Ridge. Atwal will continue to operate her practice.
About the Code of Conduct Bylaw
Under the Community Charter, local governments are required to consider adopting a Code of Conduct Bylaw. The City’s bylaw includes provisions on communications, conflict of interest, respectful conduct, use of public funds and accountability. All elected officials are required to adhere to these standards, ensuring that their actions reflect the values and integrity of the community they serve.
