Elliot Lake Councilor Chris Patrie has been removed from all city committees within their jurisdiction but has refused to remove himself from an external board.
City CAO Daniel Gagnon says council voted to have Patrie removed from all city committees and external boards as part of the sanctions imposed by the Integrity Commissioner last fall.
A letter was sent to the Algoma District Social Services Board, but it has taken no action to remove Patrie and he continues to attend the meetings, his last being May 7th.
Gagnon says Monday night council decided to suspend client-lawyer privilege and allowed the findings of the city’s law firm, Aird Belis of Toronto, to be released publicly.
The firm states that Councilor Patrie has deliberately subverted his ethical obligations both under the Code of Conduct and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.
Patrie, meanwhile, has legal counsel and continues to battle against the findings by the commissioner.
Mayor Dan Marchisella showed his frustration stating Patrie is playing a game and it is time for him to stop, adding the Algoma DSAB board and its members should get the situation straightened around.
Meanwhile, Councillor Tom Turner who was appointed to replace Patrie has been unable to carry out his duties or receive his honorarium.
The stalemate continues.