Maple Ridge council has reappointed Anita Kaur Atwal, KC, as the city’s independent integrity commissioner for a new two-year term, beginning July 1.
Atwal was first appointed the city’s new integrity commissioner for a two-year term, following council’s adoption of a new code of conduct bylaw in January 2024. The bylaw guides elected officials in their interactions with city staff, the public, media, and at council meetings. It also speaks to confidential information and conflict of interest.
Atwal is responsible for providing advice to council members and conducting investigations under the bylaw.
“Ms. Atwal’s experience has been valuable to the city and we are pleased to reappoint her as Maple Ridge’s integrity commissioner,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “This role is critical in supporting council’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and respectful governance. Ongoing independent oversight helps ensure consistency in applying the code of conduct and strengthens public trust in council decision-making.”
Continuity in the role is intended to build on the progress made since the establishment of the position, and ensure consistent oversight over council’s code of conduct.
“I appreciate the confidence that council has placed in me through this reappointment,” said Atwal. “I remain committed to supporting council in upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and fostering a culture of respect, integrity, transparency, and accountability in municipal governance.”
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.
Staff, committee members, or volunteers who believe a council member has breached the code of conduct bylaw can file a confidential complaint with the integrity commissioner. For more information, visit MapleRidge.ca/IntegrityCommissioner. To file a confidential complaint, email Anita@AnitaAtwalLaw.com.
She reports to council, but performs their role independently on a contractual, as-needed basis, and does not have a permanent office at city hall.