An Indo-Canadian lawyer has been appointed independent Integrity Commissioner in Maple Ridge to police the actions of elected officials. The appointment of Anita Kaur Atwal comes after council adopted a new Code of Conduct bylaw in January 2024, which outlines expectations for ethical behaviour of elected officials. The commissioner will provide impartial advice to council members and conduct investigations as required. “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 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.”

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff With News Files

MAPLE RIDGE – An Indo-Canadian lawyer has been appointed independent Integrity Commissioner in Maple Ridge to police the actions of elected officials.

The appointment of Anita Kaur Atwal comes after council adopted a new Code of Conduct bylaw in January 2024, which outlines expectations for ethical behaviour of elected officials. The commissioner will provide impartial advice to council members and conduct investigations as required.

“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 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.”

Ruimy’s new council created the position following a term marred by infighting, where the council of former Mayor Mike Morden took disciplinary action against former councillor Gordy Robson. The councillor took the matter to the courts, and Robson won reinstatement of all his regular council duties, reported Maple Ridge News.

The new commissioner reports to council, but works independently on a contractual, as-needed basis. She does not have a permanent office at city hall, and Atwal will continue to operate a law practice.

Surrey-based Anita Atwal Law (AAL) is a firm specializing in investigations, mediations, training, governance, and organizational support. Atwal has been practicing law for more than 18 years, and brings experience implementing codes of conduct, with investigations, and advising on inclusive and respectful workplaces. She is a chartered professional in human resources and a trained mediator from the Harvard Law School program on negotiation, reported Maple Ridge News. 

 “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. Duties 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, committee members, or volunteers who believe a member of council has breached the Code of Conduct Bylaw can file a confidential complaint with the 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/IntegrityCommissioner. For more information or to file a confidential complaint, email anita@anitaatwallaw.com.

Courtesy Maple Ridge News