Sudbury city councillor has pay docked for conduct
Tempers flared in Tuesday's Sudbury city council meeting during a long, heated discussion over the behaviour of one its councillors.
The group was asked to take a look at the behaviour of one of its own, Ward 2's Michael Vagnini, after the issue had been previously deferred.
Discussion about some of Vagnini's conduct went on for more than an hour and a half and ended with his pay being suspended for 40 days, as recommended in a report by the city's integrity commissioner Robert Swayze.
Most notably about the vulgar language he allegedly used with the deputy fire chief Jesse Oshell.
Vagnini did accept responsibility for it and apologized, but disputed some of the other facts.
He even brought famed Toronto lawyer Michael Lacy in to lay out some of his arguments.
Council considered alternative punishments, including a reprimand proposed by Ward 10 councillor Fern Cormier.
The reprimand was voted down 9-3.
"As unfortunate as it was, I did feel there was perhaps a compromise position to send the message to our colleague with respect to the behaviour that we found less than appropriate, but not go the full 40 day pay suspension on it," Cormier said in an interview.
"You know, council's fully aware of just the ongoing situation and all the information, so," Mayor Brian Bigger told CTV News.
"I think it was a fair process and I guess I'll leave it at that."
Council spent the rest of the meeting listening to Cultural Industries Ontario North (CION) and Freshwater Production Studios discuss about a film and television studio project they are trying to build on the Kingsway.
Artists rendering of new Sudbury film studio development Freshwater Production Studios (Supplied)
Council has directed city staff to come back with a report on how the city can best help.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Cyclist issued fine for striking four-year-old girl crossing the street
A cyclist turned herself in and received a fine after striking a four-year-old girl who was crossing the street to catch a school bus.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
Woman in her 60s in life-threatening condition after Bridle Path bus shelter collision
Police say a woman in her 60s is in life-threatening condition after being struck by a vehicle at a bus shelter in Toronto's Bridle Path neighbourhood on Friday.
Dutch contestant kicked out of Eurovision hours before tension-plagued song contest final
The Netherlands' contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest was dramatically expelled from competition hours before Saturday's final of the pan-continental pop competition, which has been rattled by protests over the participation of Israel.
Joe Biden wants to remind 2024 voters of a record and an agenda. Often it's Donald Trump's
Biden wants the 2024 election to be a referendum on Trump's record and plans, but he also wants voters to look favourably on his own policies and actions
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
IN PHOTOS Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Mildmay, Collingwood and St. Thomas, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.