Written By David Gomez
SOUTHWEST MIDDLESEX - A regional approach to election oversight will be used for the 2026 municipal election cycle after Southwest Middlesex council approved participation in a joint compliance audit committee with other Middlesex County municipalities during its May 6 meeting.
The committee is required under Ontario’s Municipal Elections Act and must be established before Oct. 1 of an election year. Clerk and Manager of Legislative Services Colleen Kelly explained that Southwest Middlesex will join neighbouring municipalities in creating a shared committee rather than continuing with previous arrangements through the City of London.
“Through Middlesex County, the regional tiers have decided that we are going to come together and have our own Compliance Committee,” Kelly told council. She added that the committee’s terms of reference were included with the report for council’s consideration.
Councillor Martin Vink asked how members of the committee would be selected and how many individuals would serve on it. Kelly said the committee is expected to include “three to seven people” drawn from across the municipalities. Applications will be reviewed by municipal clerks, who will determine which candidates are “most qualified to represent municipalities as a whole.”
Mayor Allan Mayhew also asked whether the committee itself would directly audit candidates’ financial statements. Kelly clarified that the body would instead act as an initial review panel if concerns are raised about campaign finances.
“The committee is just responsible for kind of like being a gatekeeper,” she said. If a complaint alleging inappropriate or fraudulent financial reporting is submitted, the matter would first go to the clerk before being referred to the committee. The committee would then appoint a qualified auditor, such as someone with CPA credentials, to examine the information and prepare a report.
Kelly said if the auditor determines there is evidence of wrongdoing, the matter could proceed through the court system.
Council approved the recommendation to join the Middlesex County joint compliance audit committee without opposition.
