Chapter 192 Part 4

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Questions and Answers

What is the balance that is recognized in this article regarding City and Agency employees?

Between the right to vote and the right to engage in other political activity

Between the right to participate in political activity and the right to free speech

Between the right to participate in political activity and the City's interest in political impartiality (correct)

Between the right to attend all-candidates meetings and the right to wear political clothing

What is a fundamental right of all public servants according to this article?

The right to vote and attend all-candidates meetings (correct)

The right to wear political clothing at work

The right to use City or Agency resources for political activity

The right to engage in political activity during working hours

What is prohibited during working hours for City and Agency employees?

Engaging in political activity (correct)

Wearing City or Agency uniform

Using City or Agency resources for personal purposes

Attending all-candidates meetings

What is a prohibited use of a City or Agency employee's title or position?

Using their title to endorse a candidate Signup and view all the answers

What is not allowed to be worn while at work or while wearing a City or Agency uniform?

Clothing or buttons that advertise a candidate, political party or referendum issue Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the rules set out in this article?

To ensure the City and Agency appear to be politically impartial Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following positions are considered 'Designated Employees'?

City Manager, City Solicitor, Deputy City Managers, and City Clerk Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the City of Toronto Policy on the Use of Corporate Resources during an Election?

To govern the use of City resources during elections Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following employees are permitted to run for elected office?

Division Heads and Heads of Large Agencies Signup and view all the answers

What is the restriction on City and Agency employees who support the City Clerk in the administration of a Toronto election or referendum question?

They cannot engage in political activity in the Toronto election they are working on Signup and view all the answers

What must a City or Agency employee do if they are unclear about whether their political activity may impair their duties?

Disclose the political activity and seek guidance from their supervisor or manager Signup and view all the answers

What is the requirement for a City or Agency employee seeking election or appointment to political office?

They must take an unpaid leave of absence Signup and view all the answers

When does the unpaid leave of absence begin for a City or Agency employee seeking election or appointment to political office?

On the day they file their nomination papers Signup and view all the answers

What is the entitlement of a City or Agency employee on unpaid leave of absence during an election?

They are entitled to be paid out any vacation pay or overtime pay owing Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for enforcing Article II, Election Signs, of Chapter 693, Signs?

Employees responsible for enforcing Chapter 693, Signs, Article II, Election Signs Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 192, Public Service?

To describe limitations on political activity for certain City and Agency employees Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a City or Agency employee's service length if they take a leave of absence and are not elected?

The leave will not be counted in determining the length of service. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step for a City or Agency employee seeking appointment to Toronto City Council?

File a declaration of qualification and consent papers. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a City or Agency employee is elected or appointed to Toronto City Council?

They will be deemed to have resigned from employment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the requirement for a City or Agency employee seeking appointment to another municipal council or school board?

They must provide written notice to request an unpaid leave. Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of a City or Agency employee's failure to comply with the political activity rules?

They will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the City or Agency's policy on employee time to vote?

To guarantee employees three consecutive hours to vote on Election Day. Signup and view all the answers

What is the restriction on a City or Agency employee's use of corporate resources during a leave of absence?

They cannot use any City or Agency resources during the leave period. Signup and view all the answers

Who should a City or Agency employee consult with if they are unsure about the appropriateness of their participation in political activity?

The Ethics Executive or immediate supervisor/manager. Signup and view all the answers

What is the requirement for a City or Agency employee seeking election to Provincial legislature or Federal parliament?

They must provide written notice to request an unpaid leave. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a City or Agency employee's access to City or Agency resources during a leave of absence?

Access is temporarily disabled. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Political Activity by City and Agency Employees

Employees have the right to participate in political activity, but it must be balanced against the City's interest in having a politically impartial public service.
All employees have the fundamental right to vote and attend all-candidates meetings.

Prohibited Political Activities

Employees are not allowed to:
- Use City or Agency resources, facilities, equipment, or supplies for political activity.
- Engage in political activity during working hours.
- Wear City or Agency uniforms while engaging in political activity.
- Wear clothing or buttons that advertise a candidate, political party, or referendum issue while at work or wearing a City or Agency uniform.
- Use their title or position to imply that the City or Agency endorses a candidate, political party, or referendum issue.

Designated Positions

Designated Employees are restricted from certain political activities, including:
- City Manager
- City Solicitor
- Deputy City Managers
- City Clerk and staff
- Division Heads
- Agency Heads
- Designated Directors and similar positions
- Employees who provide governance and procedural advice to City Council, Agency Boards, and Committees
- Employees who enforce Article II, Election Signs, of Chapter 693, Signs
- Employees who prosecute City by-laws or Provincial statutes

Restrictions on Designated Employees

Certain Designated Employees are restricted from:
- Campaigning or canvassing for a political party or candidate before or during a Toronto municipal election or referendum question.
- Engaging in political activity that could impair or be perceived to impair their ability to perform their duties in a politically impartial manner.
- Supporting or opposing a candidate in a Toronto municipal election or referendum question.

Seeking Election or Appointment to Political Office

Employees may seek election or appointment to political office, subject to certain rules and restrictions.
Employees seeking election or appointment to Toronto City Council must take an unpaid leave of absence.
Employees seeking election or appointment to another municipal council or school board may take an unpaid leave of absence.
Employees seeking election or appointment to a Provincial or Federal office must take an unpaid leave of absence and resign from employment with the City or Agency.

Use of Corporate Resources

Employees on a leave of absence while seeking election or appointment to political office cannot use City or Agency resources or act in a manner that could give rise to a presumption that they are using City or Agency resources.

Employee Time to Vote

The City and its Agencies will ensure that every employee has three consecutive hours available to vote while the polls are open on Election Day.

Seeking Guidance and Advice

Employees who are unsure about the appropriateness of their participation in political activity should consult with their supervisor/manager or Ethics Executive.

Failure to Comply with the Policy

Employees who fail to comply with the political activity rules may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

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