Whitby mayor says inquiry reveals there was no secret meeting

Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy

An independent investigation has been completed and confirmed that no closed council meeting was held on October 7 and no violation of the Municipal Act occurred, according to a statement released yesterday by Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy.

“This investigation was in response to allegations that I, along with other members of council, convened what Regional Councillor Chris Leahy termed a “secret” council meeting on October 7, 2024, in violation of the Municipal Act.

The meeting was disrupted following Leahy’s allegations of racism against Regional Councillor Steve Yamada (see below). As the meeting was adjourned briefly, only Leahy and Yamada remained in the chamber, while other councillors left, leading to allegations of a closed council meeting.

“Thank you to Aird and Berlis for conducting a thorough and impartial review. The full report will be addressed at Whitby Council’s December 16 meeting,” said Mayor Roy.

Her statement was posted on Whitby’s official website. No response from either Leahy or Yamada was available.

Mayor Roy said she was deeply disappointed that false and damaging allegations were presented as fact in a media release issued by Regional Councillor Leahy on October 8 without verifying their accuracy or waiting for the results of an investigation.

“This approach was premature, creating the potential for confusion and mistrust among the people we are elected to serve.

It’s unfortunate that we were required to pursue an investigation at the cost of the taxpayer, as a result of Regional Councillor Leahy’s allegations. When council business is sidetracked by political allegations and infighting, it distracts from the important decisions we are here to make,” said the statement.

Earlier Stories

‘Insinuation’ forces early end to Whitby council meeting

Events that led to Yamada’s resignation had nothing to do with racism: Roy

Leahy threatens complaint against mayor, fellow councillors

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