Half of the Town of Battleford table during an earlier meeting. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW Staff)
Ethics breach

Unknown town councillor under ethics probe

Jul 16, 2024 | 11:04 AM

An investigation is underway following code of conduct-ethics complaint against a sitting Battleford councillor.

“No further information nor name of the person that the complaint is against will be released at this time,” said Mayor Ames Leslie during Monday night’s meeting.

The complaint had been received by the mayor in June and it was found that it did rise to the level that warranted an investigation. Council received it as an item of information and acceptance during the meeting.

“A Schedule A, which is a formal complaint form, which is part of the government, and the municipalities act was received,” Leslie said in a follow-up interview.

The administration looked into whether it met the criteria of a violation of the code and found that it had.

“Council – minus the member of council the complaint was against – met and had a discussion about whether they wanted to appoint themselves as investigator or council has the ability to appoint a third-party investigator,” he said noting they chose the latter.

The investigator is Angela Kruk of Gates Law, ethics commissioner for Saskatoon and Regina. In response to the complaint, Leslie said the administration sent a letter to those who filed the complaint that the Town had received the submission, that it did meet the criteria of a breach and is being investigated.

“When she is done her investigation, she will give a recommendation to council as to how she feels,” he said noting the investigator does have a timeframe to work within.

Leslie said he hoped that it can be completed in 30-45 days and results can range from no disciplinary action to written apology to suspension.

“Council would have the ability to take that and accept it or deny any of those recommendations and make their determination on what is the best course of action,” he said.

julia.lovettsquires@pattisonmedia.com

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