Some advocates are calling for changes to the PCs' municipal misconduct bill to give judges the power to dismiss local councillors, rather than leaving it in the hands of politicians.
As it's currently written, Bill 9 would give municipal councils the power to dismiss members who violate the code of conduct. But that could only happen after an unanimous vote by council and recommendations from the local and provincial integrity commissioners.
But legal experts, municipal watchdogs and some politicians say there's a better way — let a judge decide. They say it would allow councillors access to a neutral, evidence-based process with clear legal standards, and a decision-maker with no political interest in the outcome.