Office of the Regional Chair

Roles and responsibilities

In Ontario, the Municipal Act sets out the responsibilities of the Regional Chair. The Regional Chair is both the head of council and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Region. 

The Regional Chair is responsible for:

• Leadership and Council duties: Provides leadership, information and recommendations to the Durham Regional Council members, and chairs Council meetings.
• Committee involvement: Serves as a member of all Regional Committees and as CEO of the Durham Region Transit Commission. 
• Board Chair: Chairs the Board for Durham OneNet Inc., the Region's Municipal Services Corporation responsible for creating the Regional Broadband Network. 
• Legislative role: Introduces motions and votes on items during committee meetings. 
• Promotion and representation: Promotes Durham Region locally, nationally and internationally, and acts as the primary speaker on public issues. 
• Public engagement: Fosters public interest and involvement in the Region's activities. 
• Well-being initiatives: Participates in activities that enhance the economic, social and environmental well-being of the Region and its residents. 
• Privacy and Emergency Management: Acts as the head under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) and declares emergencies under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. 

Current and Past Durham Region Proclamations