Hill can stay on council, as late campaign filings inadvertent: judge
Ward 1 Coun. Darren Hill can remain a member of City Council, a judge ruled Thursday.
Justice Richard Danyluik found that Hill breached his campaign financial disclosure obligations by failing to file by Feb. 16, 2021.
According to the election and campaign expense disclosure bylaw, an elected official who violates it is disqualified from council and must resign immediately. However, Council had referred the decision to the courts.
Danyluik found the breach was the “result of inadvertence,” so Hill can remain.
Hill has said that health issues, including a COVID-19 and an earlier brain injury, played a part in his late filing.
“Frankly, had Mr. Hill suffered a serious heart incident or been diagnosed with cancer in early February 2021 and therefore been late with filing his disclosure as a result of symptoms and treatment, I have doubts that we would be here at all or that the matter would have been referred to this Court for a decision,” Danyluik wrote.
“But because a significant component of Mr. Hill’s difficulties involved him being unwell mentally and emotionally, I have sensed a decided lack of acceptance that this could cause him to be late with his filing.
“Just because you do not understand something does not mean it is untrue. Perhaps this case give us all an opportunity not only for introspection, but to gain a better understanding of mental health issues and their insidious and debilitating nature.”
The Judge also questioned city council’s decision to refer the issue to the court, instead of deciding itself whether Darren Hillshould keep his seat.
“The City has opted to pursue a course that has an appointed official effectively deciding whether the person that citizens elected as their municipal representative should remain such. Put another way, some appointed guy (me) can decide to get rid of a duly elected public officer without ever being accountable for that decision.” The Judge wrote in his ruling.
The judge added he understands the legislation allows the issue to be referred to the court. However, he said it doesn't mean he would “stand by silently and simply act only as a referee.”
Mayor Charlie Clark said in a statement: "I am glad to have a decision. City Council followed due process and now we can proceed with greater certainty in our city governance."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.