A Transparency & Accountability Policy for Oakville
Open by default. Engaged from the beginning. Accountable for the outcome.
What This Means for You
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Two of Jeff's first priorities will be establishing a practical Lobbyist Registry and restoring meaningful Citizens Advisory Committees, so residents once again have an ongoing seat at the table.
Key Actions
Establish a Practical Lobbyist Registry
Focus on paid and professional lobbying, with clear definitions so ordinary constituent advocacy is never mistaken for lobbying.
Restore Citizens Advisory Committees
Give residents an ongoing seat at the table again, beginning with Crime Prevention, Youth, Transit, Parks, Environment and Seniors committees.
Create a Community Engagement Charter
Tell residents up front what decision is being considered, what they can influence, and when Council will decide.
Introduce a “What We Heard, What We Did” Standard
Publish a plain-language report after every significant consultation explaining what changed, what didn't, and why.
Engage Earlier, Before Decisions Are Made
Begin public input while problems and options are still being defined — not after a preferred solution has already been chosen.
Build an Open Oakville Accountability Dashboard
Bring major capital projects, consultations, lobbying activity and performance measures together in one place online.
Increase Direct Access to the Mayor and Council
Hold regular public town halls and rotating ward-based forums, with online participation always available.
Greater Transparency on Confidential Matters
Regularly review confidential Council material and release it once the reason for confidentiality no longer applies.
Want to Go Deeper?
The Lobbyist Registry: Getting the Model Right
Jeff did not support the particular lobbyist registry proposal that came before Council in January 2026, over concerns about its cost, scope and complexity. But his concern was never with transparency — it was about getting the model right. He supported greater disclosure, including an amendment that would have required Councillors themselves to report meetings with lobbyists.
Focused and Affordable — Target paid and professional lobbying, using existing Town technology and accountability functions wherever practical to control costs.
Clear Definitions — Use plain definitions so ordinary constituent advocacy by residents, neighbourhood associations and charities is never treated as lobbying.
Independent Oversight — Include a clear code of conduct and independent oversight so the registry can be trusted by residents and businesses alike.
Modern Citizens Advisory Committees
Making Major Decisions Easier to Understand
Measuring Whether Engagement Actually Works
A More Open Oakville
You deserve to know who is influencing your Town. You deserve to know how decisions are being made. And most importantly, you deserve a meaningful seat at the table in shaping Oakville’s future.
