Middlesex County Council Meeting Highlights – November 26, 2024
Council Highlights is an informal summary of selected actions taken by Middlesex County Council or Committee of the Whole at business meetings. The Council Highlights are not an official record of County Council proceedings. To view official agendas and minutes, please visit Council Meetings and Minutes.
Committee supports recommendations to modernize outdated Privacy Legislation
The Committee of the Whole supported calls for the modernization of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), last reviewed over 30 years ago. The Committee voted in support of the recommendations set out in the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario’s (AMCTO) “Looking Ahead” report, which address outdated provisions, inefficiencies, and gaps in the legislation. The proposed reforms include regular legislative reviews, updated privacy breach protocols, and streamlined processes to enhance transparency, accountability, and service delivery. For more information, see the Modernizing MFIPPA report.
County Approves Policy to Guide Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence
The Committee of the Whole approved the Middlesex County Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy to guide the ethical and transparent use of AI technologies. This policy establishes a framework for leveraging AI tools to improve service delivery, operational efficiency, and resource allocation while addressing privacy, security, and equity concerns. By incorporating best practices, including Algorithmic Impact Assessments and public disclosure of AI use, the policy ensures compliance with MFIPPA and other legislation. The policy emphasizes human oversight, equity, and continuous improvement, aligning AI adoption with the County’s strategic priorities of innovation, transparency, and community well-being. For more information, check out the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy report.
Council receives 2023 Year End Audit and Financial Statements
KPMG, the County's auditing firm, presented the results of the 2023 audit of Middlesex County’s finances. The audit included a comprehensive review of the consolidated financial statements for The Corporation of the County of Middlesex and its subsidiaries for the year ending December 31, 2023. For further details, refer to the Audit Findings Report for the Year Ended December 31, 2023.
2023 Surplus to be Transferred to Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve
The Committee of the Whole approved a recommendation for the yearend surplus from the 2023 operating accounts in the amount of $1,749,283 to be transferred to the tax rate stabilization reserve. The surplus was influenced by additional revenue from investments, supplementary taxes, and higher than budgeted revenue from Federal Government and from Ministry of Long-Term Care for Strathmere Lodge. For more information, see the 2023 Surplus Report.
Recommendations made by the Committee of the Whole at the November 26, 2024 meeting will be considered by County Council at its next regular meeting on December 10 2024. The Legislative Services Department maintains the official record for all County government proceedings.
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