An “exceptionally serious” information leak that could impact millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money rocked the end of the last Clarington Council meeting on June 2.
“This is exceptionally serious,” said Mayor Adrian Foster in his remarks to the council during the open part of the session (see video below from about 4 hours 36 minutes onward).
The confidential report LGS-024-25 regarding the proposed disposition of land by the municipality under Municipal Act, 2001 Section 239 (2) (c) and (k), was discussed at a closed session. No resolutions were passed.
Two Named
Two individuals – one of them seemingly bearing the same name as a former mayor (see video) – were named by Rob MacIver, Deputy Clarington Chief Administrative Office (CAO) and Solicitor.
“I can confirm Mr. Mayor that someone who would not have been on the recipient list for that confidential information contacted our realtor disclosing knowledge of those confidential negotiations,” MacIver said in response to a question from Mayor Adrian Foster, who raised the issue at the open session.
MacIver said there would be approximately a dozen recipients who had access to the confidential report and confirmed Mayor Foster’s list of five staff members and seven elected representatives.
“The problem is how those individuals got the details on this report. This is deeply concerning. Is there any thing to suggest that there is an effort to change the outcome that council might make on this?” Mayor Foster asked the Deputy CAO/Solicitor.
Potential Ramifications
“Yes, I think that was the intention of those individuals,” replied MacIver.
“If the individual, that I’m going to say leaked, disclosed, misplaced, whatever the description of this, this is serious. This is millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money and negotiations,” said Mayor Foster.
“Potential ramifications of individuals having privileged information when the rest of the public, other principal proponents, do not have that information – this is serious. This is exceptionally serious,” he added.
The mayor said he will take advice from staff and comments from councilors on appropriate steps to take going forward.
Link to the Clarington Council Meeting Video – Please see from 4 hour 36 minutes mark onward:
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