Former Callander mayor, council harassed staff, investigation finds

Former Callander Mayor Robb and Coun. Irene Smit, who both abruptly resigned in December, were found to have harassed municipal staff, according to an integrity commissioner report. (File)

Former Callander Mayor Robb and Coun. Irene Smit, who both abruptly resigned in December, were found to have harassed municipal staff, according to an integrity commissioner report.

The report by Sean Sparling of Expertise for Municipalities (E4m) was made public May 12. It was launched in response to concerns about their behaviour toward staff.

“During the preliminary review of the matters, it was determined that the nature of the allegations engaged considerations relating to workplace harassment within the meaning of the Occupational Health and Safety Act,” the report said.

“Separate investigations were conducted. The investigations included interviews with relevant individuals and a review of available documentation and communications. The findings set out in this report were made on the civil standard of proof, namely the balance of probabilities.”

The investigation uncovered “patterns of conduct occurring over a period of time, rather than isolated incidents.”

While local politicians are allowed to question the work conducted by employees, both Robb and Smit were found to have behaved in ways that exceeded normal oversight.

“The investigations further identified instances in which interactions became increasingly personalized, including repeated criticism directed toward staff in the context of ongoing workplace communications,” the report said.

“While some individual occurrences, considered in isolation, may not have been significant, some were egregious, and the evidence indicates that, when considered in their totality, they formed a pattern of conduct over time that adversely affected staff, contributed to strain in working relationships, and had an impact on the functioning of the municipal workplace environment.”

Accusations against staff

In Smit’s case, the investigation found that she made improper allegations about staff misconduct that were unfounded.

“Over time, these interactions involved continued engagement on matters where supporting information was not substantiated through the investigative process,” the report said.

“Put differently, the accusations by Coun. Smit against staff were inaccurate and not factual.”

In Robb’s case, the investigation found a series of communications and interactions that were “inconsistent with the standard of professionalism expected of an elected municipal official.”

“When considered collectively, the evidence demonstrated a pattern of conduct that affected workplace communications and had a substantial adverse impact on the workplace environment,” the report said.

“The conduct of Mayor Noon vis-à-vis municipal staff was found to be egregious and unacceptable … Collectively, it is clear that the failure of both respondents to abide by their role as elected members of council, and their inappropriate actions toward staff had a significant adverse effect on staff and the municipal workplace and could not be tolerated.”

The investigation concluded that their behaviour constituted workplace harassment.

“To their credit, both Mayor Noon and Coun. Smit have resigned their positions on council and are no longer members of council in any capacity,” the report said.

“In light of their resignations, we find that no further recommendations either as to penalty or remedial actions are necessary.”