Maple Ridge, B.C., April 15, 2026 – Maple Ridge Council has reappointed Anita Kaur Atwal, KC, as the City’s independent Integrity Commissioner for a new two-year term, beginning July 1, 2026, reinforcing the City’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Atwal was first appointed at the City’s new Integrity Commissioner for a two-year term which ends June 30, 2026, following Council’s adoption of a new Code of Conduct Bylaw in January 2024.
The Integrity Commissioner is responsible for providing advice to Council members and conducting investigations under the Bylaw.
“Ms. Atwal’s experience has been valuable to the City and we are pleased to reappoint her as Maple Ridge’s Integrity Commissioner,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “This role is critical in supporting Council’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and respectful governance. Ongoing independent oversight helps ensure consistency in applying the Code of Conduct and strengthens public trust in Council decision-making.”
Continuity in the role will help build on the progress already made since the establishment of the City’s Integrity Commissioner position and ensure independent and consistent oversight over Council’s Code of Conduct.
“I appreciate the confidence that Council has placed in me through this reappointment,” said Atwal. “I remain committed to supporting Council in upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and fostering a culture of respect, integrity, transparency, and accountability in municipal governance.”
The appointment is for a two-year term starting July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2028. As an independent officer, the duties of the Commissioner include:
- Providing advice and recommendations to Council members
- Educating Council members, the public, and staff about the Code of Conduct Bylaw
- Conducting investigations into complaints of alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct
Staff, Committee Members, or volunteers who believe a council member has breached the Code of Conduct Bylaw can file a confidential complaint with the Integrity Commissioner. For more information, visit MapleRidge.ca/IntegrityCommissioner. To file a confidential complaint, email Anita@AnitaAtwalLaw.com.
The Integrity Commissioner reports to Council but performs their role independently on a contractual, as-needed basis and does not have a permanent office in the City of Maple Ridge. Atwal will continue to operate her practice.
About Anita K. Atwal, KC
Anita K. Atwal has been practicing law for over 20 years, servicing both the private and public sectors and is principal of Anita Atwal Law (AAL), a firm specializing in investigations, mediations, training, governance, and organizational support.
She was recently bestowed the honourary title of King’s Counsel by the B.C.’s Lieutenant-Governor in Counsel to recognize exceptional merit and contribution to the legal profession. She brings significant experience implementing and applying codes of conduct, conducting investigations, and advising on inclusive and respectful workplaces. She is also a Chartered Professional in Human Resources, as well as a trained mediator, having received her training from the Harvard Law School Program on Negotiation. In addition, Ms. Atwal has been recognized for her leadership in the legal profession, having recently been awarded the Canadian Bar Association of B.C.’s Award for Equality and Diversity.
About the Code of Conduct Bylaw
Under the Community Charter, local governments are required to consider adopting a Code of Conduct Bylaw. The City’s bylaw includes provisions on communications, conflict of interest, respectful conduct, use of public funds and accountability. All elected officials are required to adhere to these standards, ensuring that their actions reflect the values and integrity of the community they serve.
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Media contact:
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager Corporate Communications and Public Engagement
T 604 466 4319 C 778 955 4249 E Media@MapleRidge.ca