NEWS ARCHIVES

June 13, 2007

Dear residents,

Many of you have shared your comments and concerns regarding City staff and Councillors attending Ottawa Senators games in Waste Management’s box at Scotiabank Place.

These allegations certainly concern me as well. I was not offered tickets from Waste Management and if I had been, I would have refused. My personal code of ethics would not permit me to accept such an offer and I would not be comfortable putting myself or our community in that position. In fact, I was offered playoff tickets from other companies and politely declined.

From my perspective, the City's Code of Conduct is sufficient for those who choose to respect and follow it. City Councillors are governed by provincial legislation being the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. I cannot comment on how individual Councillors interpret this legislation but I do make sure that my staff and I adhere to the policies in place and I would encourage my colleagues to do the same.

Currently the City’s Auditor General Alain Lalonde is investigating this matter, which was brought to his attention through several complaints made via the Fraud and Waste hotline. At this point Deputy City Manager Richard Hewitt and the Councillors who attended the game in Waste Management's box are not part of this investigation. Please be assured I will inform you as Mr. Lalonde’s investigation continues.

 
Sincerely,

Councillor Shad Qadri

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