Latest news with #politicalaccountability
CBC
11-07-2025
- Politics
- CBC
As former Olympian-turned-councillor faces domestic assault charge, women-led advocacy group is silenced
Social Sharing A firestorm of controversy has been brewing in Niagara Falls, Ont., in the weeks since a former Olympian-turned-councillor was charged with domestic assault. Mike Strange, 54, turned to politics, first elected on council in 2014, after representing Canada as a light-welterweight boxer in three Olympics. On May 3, police were called to a Niagara Falls home around 3 a.m. and found a woman with injuries. Strange was charged with domestic assault. In the wake of the criminal charge, Strange has continued to sit on council. He maintained his innocence during a July 8 council meeting, stating "the truth will come out," and his next court appearance is July 20. Meanwhile, unrelated to the Strange criminal case, a women-led advocacy group was holding delegations across Ontario about proposed Bill 9, the Municipal Accountability Act, which If passed would give municipalities more tools to crack down on negligent and misbehaving politicians. When Women of Ontario Say No (WOSN) requested to delegate at Niagara Falls council in June, it had begun advocating for a new addition to Bill 9: that any councillor charged with assault be placed on automatic, paid leave until it was resolved in the courts, WOSN's lead advocate, Emily McIntosh, told CBC Hamilton. (The proposed rules could see them removed from office if a series of requirements are met.) 'An obvious and painful irony' City staff blocked WOSN from speaking about Bill 9. Then, on June 17, Niagara police officers arrested three women in the council chambers after they refused to put away signs that said the name of the advocacy group. "There is, of course, an obvious and painful irony in women being arrested for peacefully holding objectively inoffensive signs, while a sitting councillor was able to remain and participate in his public role in this official capacity despite being charged with serious violent offence involving assaulting a woman and released," lawyer Susan Toth, representing WOSN, wrote in a letter to the city last week. McIntosh said that during the public consultation period, which ends in August, the group is speaking to different councils to get their support for Bill 9 and for their ideas to strengthen it. For instance, automatically removing a councillor from office if found guilty would be comparable to rules applied to police officers facing criminal charges, she noted. CAO says city staff 'in a difficult position' McIntosh said WOSN realized they'd need to advocate for automatic leave when they learned of Strange's charge because it "showcases a gap in the legislation." "We believe in the criminal judicial system," McIntosh said. "We're just saying it's not an appropriate space to be interacting with the public in that official role at that time." Niagara Falls staff denied the WOSN's delegation because "the true subject" wasn't Bill 9, but rather "an ongoing legal proceeding," according to a report by the city's chief administrative officer (CAO), solicitor and clerk. The ongoing legal proceeding is presumably that of Strange. McIntosh said the city's decision is "completely lacking merit," and if Strange does have a conflict of interest, he could leave for their delegation. CAO Jason Burgess told CBC Hamilton in an email it's not that simple because a council debate about Bill 9 could impact the criminal proceeding, although he didn't elaborate on how. "Staff was put in a difficult position and decided not to allow the item on the agenda," he said. 3 WOSN supporters escorted off city property Then, the arrests in council chambers happened. Three supporters of WOSN sat on a bench reserved for the public at the start of the June 17 meeting, protesting the city's decision to not allow them to delegate. The women sat holding their signs printed on letter-sized paper, as seen in a video. When staff asked them to leave, they refused. Niagara police received a call for a "disturbance" at city hall and were told the women were violating city rules, said spokesperson Stephanie Sabourin. After a "prolonged discussion," the three women were arrested and escorted off city property. They were released "after the city declined to proceed with formal charges," Sabourin said. Rules prevent other signs like 'staff are stupid' Afterwards, Burgess told council it was important to uphold "decorum" in the council chamber so that anyone with "divergent views" doesn't feel intimidated. Allowing signs in support of women's rights could lead to people holding ones that say "staff are stupid" or "police are corrupt," or that are homophobic, the report said. But Toth, WOSN's lawyer, called the arrests "unlawful," and said in letters to the city and police that her clients are demanding apologies and a commitment neither party will interfere in WOSN members exercising their rights to free speech. They also requested to be allowed to delegate at the next meeting on July 8, but that was again denied by the city. McIntosh told CBC Hamilton they're now exploring other legal actions. Police said they were preparing a response to Toth's letter. Mayor Jim Diodati did not respond to a request for comment. Tensions rose again ahead of the July 8 meeting. Councillor says he felt 'targeted' The news website Pointer published a story about an email sent on behalf of Strange to all members of the Falls View Hose Brigade, a local fundraising group, to "fill the chambers so there is no space for the women's group to sit." Strange told CBC Hamilton he didn't send the email directly and it was "taken out of context." "I felt targeted by the protesters [during the June] meeting, and asked my friends and supporters to be there," he said in an email. "I am confident that the truth will prevail in my proceedings and I am committed to my responsibilities in my elected office." Some brigade members did show up, said McIntosh, who was also in attendance. They clapped when Strange made a speech stating, "To remove an elected official based on an unproven and unfounded allegation would set a dangerous precedent and undermines the very democratic principles we rely on." Burgess told CBC Hamilton there is no issue from a rules standpoint of the brigade attending the meeting at the request of a councillor. "The concept of filling council chambers is a standard practice," he said, adding that WOSN called for its supporters to do the same. The brigade did not respond to a request for comment. Call to 'stop this nonsense' Strange also put forward a motion directing staff to prepare a report on Bill 9 so there's an opportunity for WOSN to delegate in the future. McIntosh yelled out she was ready now but she wasn't allowed to delegate at that time. Burgess said that as of Thursday, there's no timeline for when the Bill 9 report will return to council. The provincial deadline for public feedback is Aug. 18. A Niagara Region councillor, Haley Bateman, in St. Catharines, was among those arrested for holding a WOSN sign. She posted on Instagram on Tuesday that she is "beyond disappointed" in how it has all played out. Bill 9 "is not about [Strange], this is legislation that's long overdue," she wrote. "Stop this nonsense." Over 200 municipalities — as well as several other organizations, including Ontario Big City Mayors — have signalled their support for Bill 9 and for more oversight of elected officials, said McIntosh. When it comes to Niagara Falls, McIntosh said she's shocked and alarmed at how it has all played out. "I find it so fascinating the extent and lengths this municipality has gone to to silence women," she said. "I think anyone who is interested should watch the council meeting and make up their own minds." For anyone affected by family or intimate partner violence, there is support available through
The Guardian
11-07-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Accountability, robodebt and regional housing: Helen Haines unpacks it all
Tom McIlroy speaks to independent MP Helen Haines to talk through her ambitious agenda for the new parliamentary term, her sharp disappointment with the robodebt royal commission fallout, and what the government's response says about political accountability
CBC
07-07-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Critics warn Ontario bill to crack down on misbehaving politicians 'fatally flawed'
The Ford government is taking its proposed bill to crack down on negligent and misbehaving municipal politicians on the road this summer with plans to have it in place before 2026 civic elections. But critics say the new rules are "fatally flawed" and will be ineffective. Committee hearings on Bill 9, dubbed the Municipal Accountability Act, began last week in London and Niagara Falls to gather feedback on the Progressive Conservative plan. It would see the process to handle misconduct standardized across all 444 municipalities in the province and give councils the ability to remove one of their peers from office. Municipal Affairs Minister Rob Flack told the committee that the government is open to feedback, but aims to pass the bill in the fall. That would mean it would come into force ahead of 2026 municipal elections, he said. "We all know and understand what's at stake with this legislation," Flack told the all-party committee last week. "We know that accountability is not optional, it's essential." WATCH | Ford government reviewing municipal code of conduct amid Pickering council dispute: Ford government reviewing municipal code of conduct amid Pickering council dispute 11 months ago Duration 3:18 The mayor of Pickering and city council members are asking the province to legislate stricter sanctions for councillors after their colleague appeared on a podcast where the host labelled them pedophiles, Nazis and fascists. As CBC's Chris Glover explains, the Doug Ford government confirmed a review of the Municipal Act is now underway. PCs re-introduced bill to address misconduct in May The government re-introduced the legislation in May after it died on the order paper when the snap election was called earlier this year. This is the third attempt by the PCs to introduce legislation aimed at addressing serious misconduct by municipal councillors. They're responding to years of requests from municipal politicians and staff who have asked for tools to deal with allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination and ethics abuses. Flack said the current process is not uniform and gives councillors the ability only to suspend pay, even in the most serious of instances. It undermines the public's view of fairness and accountability on municipal councils, he said. "This current system, simply put, does not work as intended and has produced challenges right across Ontario," he said. The new bill would require a local integrity commissioner to investigate misconduct allegations. If that person believed a breach of the code of conduct warranted a politician's removal, the case would be passed on to Ontario's Integrity Commissioner for review. If that watchdog also recommends removal, the case would be passed back to the local council for a decision within 30 days. A councillor could only be removed by a unanimous vote of all the council members who are not the subject of the complaint. Bar is too high for removal of a misbehaving councillor, critics say Municipal lawyer John Mascarin said leaving the final decision in the hands of politicians will ensure the law is never used. Leaving the final call to the courts would de-politicize the process and ensure fairness, he said. "I think the bill is incredibly flawed, fatally flawed," said Mascarin, who is a partner at the firm Aird and Berlis. "Are you going to tell me that on a large council of 16, 20, 25 members ... you're not going to find one member that's going to betray their good conscience and their fiduciary obligations?" Liberal municipal affairs critic Stephen Blais has introduced three private members bills trying to give municipal integrity commissioners enhanced powers. Those bills would have allowed the watchdogs to refer the most egregious code of conduct violations to court. A judge would then determine if a politician should be removed from office and barred from running in subsequent elections. Each time, the bills have stalled in Queen's Park's legislative process or been rejected by Premier Doug Ford's government. Blais said he thinks the standard in this bill for removing a councillor is too high. "I think the government has overshot the mark. I think it's not just high, I think it's kind of in outer space," he said. NDP municipal affairs critic Jeff Burch, who is also a former city councillor, said the government has acquiesced to years of demands for this legislation, but it's made it ineffective. "This bar is far too high," he said. "Why should politicians, who should be held to a higher standard, have such a lower standard and be able to keep their jobs in situations that make other people feel unsafe?" Municipalities want more tools for 'progressive discipline', AMO says The president of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario says that group is happy government is moving ahead with the legislation. But Robin Jones, who is also the mayor Westport, Ont., says amendments would make it more effective. AMO previously advocated for cases involving potential ejection from council to head to the courts. Lowering the bar from all of council to a two-thirds majority vote for removal would address some concerns, she said. "We think a super-majority should be enough," she said. "We understand that it may need to be more than a simple majority." Jones said councils also want more middle-ground built into the legislation to give them options for other sanctions. Pay suspension isn't much of a motivator on many smaller councils where salaries are small for what's considered part-time work. The new bill would add removal from council as the next, and only other, penalty available to councils. "We really do think that there should be sort of a progressive discipline opportunity," she said. At the hearings, Flack defended the government's position on the full majority of a council being required to remove a peer. The PCs want to avoid the process being "weaponized," he said. "By the time you get to a vote there should be little doubt that removal or disqualification, if it's being recommended, be done," he said. A spokesperson for Flack said in a statement that a high bar is required for any vote to remove a sitting politician. "Removal from office is a serious measure, reserved for the most extreme code of conduct violations, and safeguarded by a high threshold and thorough review to ensure it is never taken lightly," Alexandra Sanita said.
South China Morning Post
30-06-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Malaysia's corruption scandal widens as Sabah lawmakers, whistle-blower plead not guilty
Two Malaysian state assemblymen and the businessman who accused them of corruption pleaded not guilty in court on Monday to charges linked to alleged bribes for a mining licence, in a high-profile case that has gripped the public since covert videos of the transactions surfaced online last year. The case has piled pressure on Sabah's ruling coalition months before an expected December election, fuelling concerns over the state's persistent corruption problems and raising questions about political accountability in one of Malaysia's poorest but most resource-rich regions. Both assemblymen are members of the United Malays National Organisation, which is part of the ruling coalition. Yusof Yacob was accused of accepting 200,000 ringgit (US$47,400) in cash on March 6, 2023, in exchange for helping to facilitate the approval of a mineral prospecting licence for Syarikat Nusa Kini. His counterpart, Andi Suryady Bandy, was charged with receiving 150,000 ringgit on May 12, 2023, to help Syarikat Sinaran Hayat obtain a similar licence. Albert Tei is a partner in the two Sabah-based companies associated with the bribery charges. Facebook/Albert Tei Albert Tei Jiann Cheing is a partner in the two Sabah-based firms. Tei, the whistle-blower, was charged with offering the bribes. All three pleaded not guilty before Sessions Court Judge Jason Juga. The two assemblymen were released on bail of 50,000 ringgit each, while Tei was granted bail of 60,000 ringgit for both offences. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison and fines not less than five times the value of the bribes.
South China Morning Post
30-06-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Malaysian corruption scandal widens as Sabah lawmakers, whistle-blower plead not guilty
Two Malaysian state assemblymen and the businessman who accused them of corruption pleaded not guilty in court on Monday to charges linked to alleged bribes for a mining licence, in a high-profile case that has gripped the public since covert videos of the transactions surfaced online last year. Advertisement The case has added pressure on Sabah's ruling coalition just months before an expected December election, fuelling concerns over the state's persistent corruption problems and raising questions about political accountability in one of Malaysia's poorest but most resource-rich regions. Both assemblymen are members of the United Malays National Organisation, which is part of the ruling coalition. Yusof Yacob was accused of accepting 200,000 ringgit (US$47,400) in cash on March 6, 2023, in exchange for helping to facilitate the approval of a mineral prospecting licence for Syarikat Nusa Kini. His counterpart, Andi Suryady Bandy, was charged with receiving 150,000 ringgit on May 12, 2023, to help Syarikat Sinaran Hayat obtain a similar licence. Sabah assemblyman for Tanjung Batu, Andi Suryady Bandy. Facebook/Andi Suryady Bandy Albert Tei Jiann Cheing is a partner in the two Sabah-based firms. Tei, the whistle-blower, was charged with offering the bribes. Advertisement All three pleaded not guilty before Sessions Court Judge Jason Juga. The two assemblymen were released on bail of 50,000 ringgit each, while Tei was granted bail of 60,000 ringgit for both offences. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison and fines not less than five times the value of the bribes.
