LAURIE WEIR

After a year-long investigation, the Integrity Commissioner (IC) report involving Coun. Linda Carr of the Township of Rideau Lakes has finally been made public.

The report, tabled at a community services committee meeting on Oct. 15, concluded that Carr breached the township’s Code of Conduct with an alleged inappropriate remark directed at a staff member. It recommended a 15-day suspension of pay, but the majority of council voted against this penalty, expressing belief in Carr’s contention that she did not make the alleged remark.

The investigation stemmed from an incident in October 2023, in which Carr was accused of making a sexually inappropriate comment toward a staff member. According to the IC, Tony Fleming, Carr allegedly asked, “Are you here to work or just to keep showing off your fine [redacted] self to the crowd?” before a meeting of the Elgin Community Enhancement Committee.

The report concluded that this comment violated the township’s workplace harassment policies and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Despite the IC’s findings, a majority of Carr’s colleagues voted not to enforce the recommended pay suspension. Many council members voiced their belief in Carr’s side of the story, where she maintained that the alleged comment was never spoken. Three members of the public also attended to support Carr, backing her claims of honesty when they had opportunities to address the council.

Coun. Paula Banks questioned the Integrity Commissioner about the timeline of the investigation, seeking clarity on how events unfolded. However, Fleming declined to provide additional details, citing the confidentiality of the investigative process.

Carr, who has consistently denied the allegations, expressed her frustration during the meeting. “From the start of this investigation, I’ve been in shock. Anyone can tell you, when I speak, everyone usually knows what I said because I’m loud. Yet in this case, not a single person sitting at the other end of the table with me can verify what was actually said,” she stated.

She further suggested that the investigation was part of a coordinated effort against her. “I did not do this, and I hope those who were involved in this frame-up are held accountable. These investigations are costing taxpayers and myself thousands of dollars, and this has to stop.”

Tony Fleming, who also serves as the township’s solicitor, was replaced as Integrity Commissioner by retired lawyer Bill Hunter. Hunter, however, was subsequently given 90 days’ notice on Oct. 8 that his services were no longer required by the township.

In the interim, the township has obtained the services of Ellen Fry of ADR Chambers of Brockville as the IC until a new one is hired following the RFP (request for proposals) process.