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Torch River councillors under ‘code of ethics’ investigation

Dec 19, 2017 | 8:14 AM

The Rural Municipality of Torch River is dealing with internal unrest following ‘code of ethics’ complaints.

According to a news release issued by the R.M the first two complaints were received at council’s Oct. 13 meeting. The third claim was received at council’s Nov. 10 meeting.

Three council members including reeve Louise Nicklen recently resigned from their posts. Nicklen resigned Nov. 10 and division five Coun. Tyler Shymanski resigned Oct. 14. Michelle Fox-Waddington left her division four council seat on Nov. 14.

R.M. administration would not divulge who the complaints are against or if the claims are behind the resignations. Calls to two of the three former councillors were not returned for comment and attempts to reach the third former councillor was unsuccessful.

The R.M. hired a lawyer to investigate the claims. The report is expected to take “some time” according to the release issued Dec. 8. Once the findings are complete council will consider any recommendations.

A byelection is scheduled for Jan. 17, 2018 to fill the vacant seats. 

Robert Allen, Terence Cunningham, Jerry Kindrit, and Darryl Matton are running for reeve. Ellery Fehr and Ken Runn are vying for the division four opening. Running for division five are Dalton Clifford, Heinz Klassen and Richard Pickett.

Polls will be open in White Fox, Smeaton, and Choiceland.

 

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