City hires investigators for two code of conduct complaints against council

May 20, 2021 | 8:45 AM

Third-party investigators have been hired by The City of Red Deer to look into two separate complaints against member(s) of city council.

The complaints were filed April 15 and May 7, 2021 in relation to The City’s council Code of Conduct Bylaw.

City council held special meetings May 4 and May 18 — both largely in-camera — to discuss the matters and approve the hiring of the investigators.

In online minutes for the May 4 meeting, it’s noted that Councillor Ken Johnston, Councillor Buck Buchanan and Mayor Tara Veer each declared a conflict of interest due to their “involvement in the matter.”

Veer also declared a conflict of interest for the same reason at the May 18 meeting.

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This doesn’t necessarily mean these specific council members are the subjects of the investigation.

Details of the complaints are currently protected under provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act.

The Code of Conduct Bylaw states sanctions may include a letter of reprimand, issuing a letter of apology, publication of either of those, suspension from committees, reduction or suspension of remuneration, and suspension or removal of the chief elected official’s (mayor’s) presiding duties under the Municipal Government Act (MGA).

It also says other sanctions are possible, as deemed reasonable and appropriate by council, provided it is not contrary to the MGA.

More to come.

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

City hires investigators for two code of conduct complaints against council

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