The City of Windsor's Integrity Commissioner has cleared Windsor's mayor of any wrongdoing in relation to the hiring of his wife, Jane Deneau, as a project manager in the Parks, Recreation, and Facilities department.
The Integrity Commissioner received a complaint last May alleging Drew Dilkens used his strong mayor powers to get his wife into the position. The complainant accused the mayor of undue influence, improper use of power, and a conflict of interest.
The report found the allegations unfounded.
It said, "The City has robust policies and procedures around recruitment and hiring, and competent professional staff to administer those policies."
"We were able to confirm that the processes followed by both human resources management staff and the operating department were in alignment with city policies and procedures," said the report. "Of particular note is the existence of policies and procedures for hiring family members and declaring family relationships with potential employees as part of the hiring process."
The Integrity Commissioner also noted the Chief Administrative Officer had the hiring responsibility, not the mayor, and the mayor's approval wasn't necessary.
The file on the complaint is now closed.
On social media following the report's release, Dilkens said his wife applied to three different positions with the city before she had an interview.
