By Rosalind Russell – A Nairn & Hyman Township councillor has resigned after failing to have a motion for reconsideration of the findings by the Integrity Commissioner to be delayed until May.
The motion was brought by Guy Despatie who had been reprimanded in the commissioner’s report that was to be released publicly that evening.
The report looked at several councillors’ behaviours from a Nov.18 meeting finding Despatie, Wayne Austin and Rod McDonald had breached sections of the council Code of Conduct.
Mayor Amy Macey says the motion recommended formal censure for all three with a recommendation they all lose renumeration for 30 days.
Despatie then interjected, stating he felt the commissioner divulging his email to her was a breach and resigned his position as councillor.
Council has now declared the position vacant and a decision on filling the vacancy either by appointment or by-election will be made at the March meeting.
Council motions to impose remuneration penalties on both Austin and McDonald were defeated.
For a copy of the IC report and the meeting, visit our websites.
The IC report and findings: https://nairncentre.ca/integrity-commissioners-report-complaint-against-councillors-austin-despatie-and-macdonald-and-council-as-a-whole/
The video: Recording of the February 10, 2025 Council Meeting – Township of Nairn & Hyman (the 1 hour mark)
Screenshots by Rosalind Russell
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