Vaughan integrity commissioner will also oversee new lobbyist registry

yorkregion.com
June 28, 2017
By Tim Kelly

She has served as Vaughan's integrity commissioner since 2009 and now Suzanne Craig takes on an additional role as the city's first lobbyist registrar.

Craig, who recently wrote an explosive 28-page report detailing sexual harassment complaints against former Vaughan deputy mayor Michael Di Biase, which directly led to the latter's resignation, will take up the part-time position of lobbyist registrar in January 2018 when the registry becomes mandatory in the city.

In her expanded role, Craig will administer the lobbyist registration system, provide advice, opinions and interpretations regarding the lobbyist registry, conduct investigations or inquiries to determine if the lobbyist registry bylaw has been contravened, suspend or revoke a registration and enforce the lobbyist registry bylaw.

"It is with great pleasure that we announce the appointment of Suzanne Craig as lobbyist registrar. Trust and accountability are key priorities at the City of Vaughan and she has been a tremendous asset by serving as our integrity commissioner for many years. A strong transparency framework contributes to our commitment to advancing excellence in governance. I championed the creation of a lobbyist registry because I believe in an open government - giving the public access to information about who is communicating with public office holders. I know Ms Craig will continue to bring commitment and dedication to the city and serve our community well. I look forward to working with her in the years to come as she takes on this new expanded role," Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua said.

Craig was paid $103,008.90 by the City of Vaughan in 2016, according to Ministry of Finance salary disclosure.