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No disciplinary action stemming from probe, but council to receive harassment training, mayor says

Ward 3 councillor says he was found guilty of workplace harassment for using term 'empire building' at public meeting
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Ward 2 Coun. Michael Vagnini (left) and Ward 3 Coun. Gerry Montpellier held a press conference Wednesday into the results of a workplace harassment probe that investigated their actions. (File)

There will be no disciplinary action against any members of Greater Sudbury city council resulting from a workplace harassment probe by an outside investigator.

Ward 3 Coun. Gerry Montpellier said Wednesday he was found guilty of workplace harassment.

That's because he used the words “empire building” at a public meeting in referring to the city's controversial and unpopular Fire Optimization Plan (FOP) proposal.

Montpellier, along with Ward 2 Coun. Michael Vagnini and two citizens, Tom Price and Travis Morgan, were the subject of a complaint by the city's full-time firefighters union.

The Ministry of Labour directed Greater Sudbury to investigate the complaint, and city council hired an outside investigator to conduct the probe.

Vagnini, along with Price and Morgan, were exonerated of accusations of harassment through the probe.

Mayor Brian Bigger released a brief email statement about the results of the investigation Wednesday evening.

"Greater Sudbury City Council met in closed session to receive the report from the investigator hired to review the allegations of harassment against two Councillors,” said the statement.

“The report was received for information. Greater Sudbury City Council gave direction to staff to ensure that Council receive training on Bill 168 before June 2018. 

“No disciplinary action will be taken against any members of Council specific to this matter."

In case you're wondering, Bill 168 is Ontario's law on workplace violence and harassment.


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