Greater Sudbury CAO Ed Archer no longer employed by the city

Greater Sudbury has ended the employment of CAO Ed Archer, Mayor Paul Lefebvre announced suddenly Tuesday evening.

No reason for the decision was given in a news release from the mayor's office, only that Archer was being let go "effective immediately."

Greater Sudbury has ended the employment of CAO Ed Archer, Mayor Paul Lefebvre announced suddenly Tuesday evening. (Greater Sudbury file photo)

"The mayor thanked Mr. Archer for his years of service and contributions and wished him well in his future endeavours," the release said.

"We appreciate Ed’s commitment and contributions over the past eight years," Lefebvre is quoted as saying in the release.

"Mr. Archer helped to navigate the city through significant challenges and change during his tenure."

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Lefebvre also said that Kevin Fowke will assume the role as interim CAO, but added that further announcements regarding the recruitment process and the transition plan will be made in the coming weeks.

In comments to CTV Northern Ontario's Amanda Hicks, the mayor said he couldn't comment on why Archer is being replaced.

"We can't talk about that under the Employment Act of Ontario. That being said, as I said, we don't do these decisions lightly," Lefebvre said.

'I want to thank Mr. Archer'

"And I want to thank Mr. Archer for the eight years of services that he brought from where our city has improved under his leadership."

When asked about the terms under which Archer was being let go, he said it is being done under the contract he signed with former Mayor Brian Bigger.

"We're following the contract that was signed previously by Mayor Bigger and Mr. Archer in 2016," Lefebvre said.

"So we are obligated to follow that. It is a public contract. Anybody can have a look at that."

Under that contract, if Archer was terminated without cause, he would be entitled to two years pay as severance, or about $600,000.

Former Greater Sudbury CAO Ed Archer's seat was vacant at city council on Tuesday evening. (Ian Campbell/CTV News)

"The search for a new CAO will begin shortly, with a national recruitment effort underway to identify a candidate with the vision and leadership skills necessary to support Greater Sudbury's long-term goals," the mayor said in Tuesday's news release.

Archer attracted criticism earlier this year when it emerged that managers at the city were receiving an 11 per cent wage increase.

Some city councillors said they were aware of a five to eight per cent increase, but were not informed of an additional three per cent increase given in April of this year.

That led to strong public criticisms of Archer by some on council, which led to an investigation by the city's integrity commissioner.

It also led councillors in May to revoke the CAO's authority to adjust the pay structure of all or some categories of non-union employees, meaning that wage increases will have to go through council.

In addition, a motion presented by Coun. Fern Cormier was approved requiring the salaries for non-unionized staff to be posted online as a means of increasing transparency.

On Tuesday, the mayor said that "the city is well-positioned for growth and job creation, and we are confident that with new leadership, we will better prosper, innovate, and achieve the best for our community."

With Files from Amanda Hicks.