Integrity commissioner asked to investigate Innisfil closed-session leaks
Innisfil Councillor Rob Nicol
by Janis Ramsay Innisfil Journal
Ward 7 Coun. Rob Nicol is calling for an investigation into what he calls leaked information from closed sessions.
He brought forward a notice of motion April 4, adding he wishes to end closed sessions until an investigation is done.
Nicol believes confidential closed-session information such as individual votes, directions to staff and in camera discussions were being shared.
He said the sharing of confidential information breaches the town’s Code of Conduct and negatively affects the democratic process.
But when asked further about the issue, Nicol didn’t want to elaborate on his suspicions.
“I think it’s premature to speak to it at all,” Nicol said. “I can’t get into the details at this point. I’d like to expand on it, but I don’t want to jeopardize anything at this point. I’d like the process to work its way through.”
In his request, Nicol has asked for the town’s integrity commissioner, John Mascarin of Aird and Berlis, to investigate his complaint.
“(I want to) determine the source or sources of these betrayals of trust and the leaked closed-session information,” he wrote in his notice. “And that those findings, as well as recommendations for penalties of the offenders be shared with council as well as South Simcoe Police.”
Along with requesting an external investigation, Nicol has requested that all further in camera sessions be suspended until the sources of the leaks are identified and addressed legally.
Recent closed-session meetings held by council have included topics such as personnel matters, Friday Harbour development agreement, the new Rizzardo Health and Wellness Centre legal agreements, and information about Belle Ewart parkland acquisition.
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