Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly says it’s “not unreasonable” to call on integrity commissioner Janet Leiper to complete an investigation into allegations of misconduct by Mayor Rob Ford and Councillor Doug Ford in time for the October election.
“It’s a serious enough allegation that I think it should be addressed,” Mr. Kelly told reporters at city hall on Monday.
“It’s not an unreasonable request. Going forward it has the potential of exonerating the mayor as well as being very critical of him.”
However, Ms. Leiper reports only to council, and the final meeting of the term is August 25. She declined to discuss details about any investigation that may or may not be occurring, citing City of Toronto Act confidentiality rules.
A letter written last week by mayoral candidate John Tory’s campaign lawyer asks for an update on a complaint by Democracy Watch regarding allegations that the Fords broke lobbying rules and used undue influence in attempts to help firms that had or were planning business dealings with their family company, Deco Labels and Tags. Councillor Ford had previously denied that RR Donnelley, a Chicago-based company that had vied for a city contract, had referred business to Deco, but a new report Monday in the Globe and Mail alleged the printing giant had in fact been a client of the Ford firm.
The mayor denied last week giving anybody preferential treatment, calling himself “as honest as the days are long with taxpayers money.”
In an interview, Ms. Leiper provided no clarity on her timeline, or if she was even investigating the matter.
“The City of Toronto Act requires me, as the act requires other accountability officers, to maintain confidentiality. I maintain confidentiality over investigations and formal complaints. I follow the complaint protocol established by city council for reporting on breaches of the code of conduct,” she said.
Ms. Leiper said if she finds a breach, she provides a written report to council which is debated in public.
Peter J. Thompson / National PostCity Of Toronto Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly speaks with Greg at The 519 Church Street Community Centre after Kelly handed out presentations to recipients who were part of World Pride, Thursday July 24, 2014.
She will also report to council on matters that have been in the public eye, but have not constituted a breach. There is a moratorium during an election year on launching new complaints after August 1, but investigations of ongoing matters continues, she said. Ms. Leiper’s term comes to an end Sept. 5. She said any matters that have not concluded will be passed on to the next integrity commissioner, Valerie L. Jepson.
Olivia Chow, another mayoral candidate, has also called on the integrity commissioner to wrap up her investigation before the election. “I personally believe there is a conflict and that Mr. Ford was mixing public and private interests together and that is not acceptable,” she said on Monday.
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