The investigation marks the first time a code of conduct complaint has been made since the bylaw came into force in January 2021. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

code of conduct

No sanctions for Besharah after special town council meeting

Oct 14, 2021 | 12:00 PM

No sanctions were placed on La Ronge Coun. Abby Besharah after a special meeting was held earlier this week.

An independent ethics commissioner had been called in to investigate the councillor due to a complaint against her stemming back in July. Besharah had met with a municipal employee regarding a business she plans to open, the discussion became heated and was overheard by multiple staff at the town office.

The commissioner found she violated the code of conduct, specifically a section on a respectful workplace which states “all members of council have duty to treat members of the public, one another and staff appropriately and without abuse, bullying or intimidation and to ensure that their work environment is free from discrimination and harassment.”

La Ronge Mayor Colin Ratushniak explained there are no sanctions planned at this time, but he said he couldn’t say for certain whether or not sanctions will be place in the future.

“At any time, any council member can bring forward if they decide and, if it’s council’s will to produce further sanctions, then that’s at the discretion of council,” Ratushniak said.

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Before Tuesday’s meeting, Besharah had already apologized for her actions, acknowledged she was disrespectful and appointed a proxy to deal with town staff in relation to her business. The investigation is estimated to cost taxpayers between $5,600 to $8,000.

Besharah’s case marks the first time a member of council violated the code of conduct, which came into force earlier this year on Jan. 26. It was proposed by Deputy-Mayor Jordan McPhail and it’s meant to promote public confidence, avoid improper use of the influence of their office, and uphold both the letter and spirit of the law, including policies adopted by council.

At a future council meeting, Besharah will have the opportunity to speak about her experience going through the investigation process. There could also be potential changes to the code of conduct as well.

“This is our first time dealing with it in this nature, but every person who sits at the table did swear an oath and we were very quick to bring this code of conduct into play very early into our term,” Ratushniak said. “I believe that all councillors and the mayor myself, we understood the terms of what we were getting into, and we all need to be accountable to each other to make sure we’re acting in good faith to our residents and also to our staff.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno