Two of warring Whitby councillors – Chris Leahy and Steve Yamada – have had their one week’s pay docked for a council violation, said a town notice.
Leahy had alleged racism against Yamada at a council meeting on October 7, which triggered a war of words with Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy. Leahy also claimed that the mayor convened a secret council meeting without him and Yamada.
An independent investigation said there was no such meeting. Racism charges were also dismissed, according to the town.
Councillors Violated Council Code of Conduct
The Town of Whitby notice said a special council meeting on March 17, voted in favour of a one-week pay suspension for Councillor Chris Leahy and Councillor Steve Yamada.
“This follows the findings of an integrity commissioner report that concluded both councillors violated the Council Code of Conduct in October 2024 when they made unsupported allegations of racism against members of council and town staff at public council meetings.”
Since federal elections have been announced, Councillor Yamada has been running as a Conservative Party candidate from Whitby.
Earlier Stories
Whitby mayor says inquiry reveals there was no secret meeting