All Corporation of Hamilton council and committee meetings have been cancelled until March, Mayor Graeme Outerbridge announced today.

A spokesman for the corporation said that the decision was made after some members failed to comply with the Code of Ethics and Conduct for Members of the Corporations.

This code was introduced in 2013 as an amendment to the Municipalities Act 1923.

The spokesman said: “This document was timely as non-compliance by some members has been a significant challenge.

“This challenge was highlighted at a recent meeting of the corporation, so much so that for good order and discipline the mayor has cancelled all committee and council meetings for the next six weeks.

“During this time, it is expected that members of the Corporation of Hamilton would pause to review the Code of Ethics and Conduct, and reflect on the way they have conducted themselves as members.

“It is my hope that when the meetings resume in March, the members will be prepared to work in compliance with the code.”

He added that the corporation members are responsible for creating and amending policy, and are not responsible for any of the day-to-day administration of the city.

The suspension of meetings is therefore not expected to have any operational impact as the city is administered by the staff under the direction of the chief operating officer and secretary of the corporation.

The corporation was contacted for further clarification on the issue that led to the cancellation of the meetings, but declined to comment.