The fate of Sarnia's integrity commissioner won't lie with city council, at least for now.
Council decided unanimously not to release Paul Watson from his contract Monday, after the commissioner inadvertently shared a screen during council’s ZOOM meeting March 8 that showed names of Sarnia complainants.
Councillor George Vandenberg said one complainant has already taken action against Watson.
"Your worship, the Sarnia Journal article dated March 10, 2021, dealing with the integrity commissioner, indicates the gentleman is filing a written complaint to both the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario and the Law Society of Ontario," said Vandenburg.
Councillor Vandenberg felt those investigation outcomes would help determine council's path forward.
"It's going to be investigated by two separate groups. So, I think that's where the public's going to see some accountability."
Before making its decision, council was clearly split on the issue.
Mayor Mike Bradley and councillors Terry Burrell, Margaret Bird, Bill Dennis and Dave Boushy felt the breach was an honest mistake, while councillors Brian White and Nathan Colquhoun felt the action made members of the community lose confidence in the legally mandated process.
Councillor Mike Stark refrained from participating in the discussion.
