Sault city councillor reprimanded for code of conduct breach
A Sault Ste. Marie city councillor is hoping to move forward after he was found to have breached council’s code of conduct.
The city’s integrity commissioner advised Coun. Stephan Kinach to apologize for remarks made at a previous council meeting – to which he refused.
Instead, Kinach opted to be reprimanded by his colleagues.
The controversy began at the March 18 council meeting, when Kinach took issue with a report from city administration pertaining to the use of consultants.
“This report discards us and (the) constituents we represent,” Kinach said at the time.
“This completely ignores the whole democratic process because this report is evidence that staff is working against council and Saultites.”
The city’s integrity commissioner advised Coun. Stephan Kinach to apologize for remarks made at a previous council meeting – to which he refused. (Mike McDonald/CTV News)
After the remarks, Kinach said he was called into a meeting with Mayor Matthew Shoemaker and CAO Tom Vair, when he was asked to apologize publicly for his comments.
“I didn’t feel my comments were harsh enough or crossed the line to a point where I needed to make an open session apology,” Kinach told CTV News.
He sought the advice of the integrity commissioner, who found that Kinach had indeed breached council’s code of conduct and echoed calls for an apology.
No one 'coming out a winner'
Kinach instead joined six of his council colleagues in voting in favour of a reprimand.
“I ended up voting in favour of the reprimand just as an act of contrition to show that I understand this got way out of hand, and at this point … I don’t think anyone’s coming out a winner,” he said.
“We are privileged and honoured to be elected officials and we have to uphold ourselves to a certain degree of professionalism,” said Coun. Lisa Vezeau-Allen, who was among those who voted in favour of a reprimand.
“I have not seen that from Coun. Kinach.”
Coun. March Bruni voted against this course of action, as he said it’s not council’s duty to discipline its own.
“My thought was send it back to the integrity commissioner and she can file what the discipline action would be,” said Bruni.
Councillors Sonny Spina and Matthew Scott were also in favour of sending the matter back to the integrity commissioner.
As for Kinach, he said he just wants to put this issue behind him, while pledging to be more “courteous” and “polished” in the future.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they're now named Scouting America
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.
Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesia. Until now, little was known about why the boat capsized.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
For their protection, immigrants critical of China and India call for speedy passage of Canada's foreign interference legislation
Canadian immigrants threatened by hostile regimes are urging parliamentarians to quickly pass the 'Countering Foreign Interference Act' so they can feel safe living in their adopted home.