Melinda Munro

A complaint was filed against a municipal councillor alleging he posted a racial slur on his Facebook account.

The councillor claimed his account and computer were hacked.

During the investigation, the councillor destroyed his computer hard drive and deleted his Facebook account.

The Integrity Commissioner found the hacking claim improbable based on technical and behavioural evidence, and applied the doctrine of spoliation to draw an adverse inference against the councillor.

The Commissioner concluded the councillor made the post and intentionally destroyed evidence, recommending a 32-day suspension of remuneration.

The Integrity Commissioner investigated complaints against the Mayor and several Councillors of the County of Brant regarding an incident at a Council meeting where the Mayor made derogatory comments about a former employee.

The Commissioner found that the Mayor breached the Code of Conduct by making the comments and attempting to deflect responsibility, recommending a 5-day suspension of remuneration.

Complaints against two Councillors who heard the remarks but failed to take action were upheld with a recommendation for a verbal reprimand.

Complaints against the remaining Councillors who did not hear the remarks were dismissed.