Winnipeg councillor charged with sexual assault appears at city council meeting

Playing null of undefined

Russ Wyatt sits through council meeting

WATCH: Russ Wyatt arrives at City Hall

Several Winnipeg councillors expressed their disappointment Thursday as they saw Coun. Russ Wyatt walk into city hall for the monthly council meeting.

The embattled councillor was charged on Wednesday for allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting a man late last year.

As Wyatt entered city hall, reporters asked the councillor why he showed up.

“I’m going to my council meeting. Thank you,” he said.

Wyatt would not answer any other questions, directing everything to his lawyer.

“I would ask you talk to my attorney. Thanks guys.”

Wyatt’s lawyer, Evan Roitenberg, told CTV News on Wednesday that his client is innocent.

After the charges were announced Wednesday, Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham encouraged Wyatt to step away from council to deal with the charges.

He reiterated those comments Thursday.

“My recommendation is the councillor step away to deal with the serious matter that is before him,” said Gillingham.

The mayor called Wyatt’s presence a distraction but noted it is not preventing council from getting work done.

Several other councillors voiced their displeasure.

“Coun. Wyatt’s able to be present here given our legislation that we follow that the Province of Manitoba has, and it’s his choice to be here. I would prefer to see him take some time and deal with his matters at hand as a responsible thing to do as councillor,” said Coun. Evan Duncan. “When we have matters like this, my expectation would be that people step aside and deal with them and not bring a further distraction to council.”

Despite the distraction, the meeting went forward as usual, and Wyatt even stood up to speak on issues.

However, when that happened, Coun. Cindy Gilroy turned her back to him as a form of silent protest.

“It’s a message,” said Gilroy.

Wyatt was charged in July 2018 with sexual assault. However, that charge was eventually stayed in court.

“I’m very uncomfortable with the situation. I want to make sure I’m making a stance so that I am supporting the many victims out there and the people in the room that maybe do not feel comfortable with the presence.”

Gilroy said the last time Wyatt was charged, she asked the province to review the charter to allow council to remove a person who is being investigated, with pay. It didn’t go anywhere over human rights concerns.

She would like to see the charter reviewed moving forward.

“Everyone is innocent, right, until proven guilty. So I want to make sure that the due diligence is done. But having said that, it has to make sure that the staff at the City of Winnipeg, we have to be held to a higher standard as elected people, and that the staff feel comfortable in their surroundings.”

Gillingham said he would be open to a review of the charter.

“I think that there’s certainly some room for improvement,” said Gillingham.

All of this comes during an election year, which could see voters in Transcona – Wyatt’s ward – make a change if he seeks re-election.

“I think they have to review who they’re electing,” said Gilroy. “I mean, this is the second charge that this councillor has had. This is a very violent criminal offence that he’s been charged with, and so, you have to look closely at who you’re electing and come to grips with that.”

“My message would be to all people in Winnipeg, in all wards, is to take very seriously the people, pay attention to the people that they are electing across the City of Winnipeg. Our council is only as strong as the people around the council table, and so it’s a very serious matter,” said Gillingham.