A Calgary city councillor is under fire for appearing to make a knife-twisting gesture behind another councillor's back during a meeting.
Video from the live-streamed meeting shows Coun. Ward Sutherland making the gesture from his seat during a speech by Coun. Druh Farrell, who is not facing him. Sutherland was leaning back in his chair at the time.
Farrell says she was "shocked and disappointed and angry" to see the gesture on video.
Sutherland has since apologized, saying he was merely getting "animated" during a "side conversation" with fellow councillor Andre Chabot. Chabot has confirmed Sutherland's version of events.
"It wasn't intended for Druh Farrell," Sutherland said. "I'm sorry she felt that way."
Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi condemned Sutherland's behaviour, saying that, even if the gesture was not aimed at Farrell, it shows Sutherland and Chabot were not paying attention during an important meeting on housing.
"We had councillors who weren't paying attention, who were joking about something else, who were texting one another on the very day that we had a discussion at council about respect in a public hearing," Nenshi told reporters on Monday. "I think citizens deserve better than that."
Sutherland claims the uproar is a political game playing out just five months ahead of Calgary's municipal election. He cited his 86-year-old mother and two daughters in defending himself against "people" saying he hates women.
"That's when it becomes political," he said.
Farrell said she's been on the receiving end of offensive behaviour several times in council.
"There is a pattern of behaviour that has led certain members of council to feel comfortable behaving in this manner in council chambers," she said. "That is unacceptable."
Coun. Brian Pincott, who is not seeking re-election, has filed a complaint with the integrity commission.
With files from CTV Calgary
