Independent investigations substantiated 24 complaints against the Mayor for inappropriate behavior including findings of bullying and harassment, resulting in legal risks and workplace claims. These include multiple WorkSafeBC claims arising out of the Mayor’s conduct, which the City is legally barred from detailing.

As of February 13, 2025, the Mayor committed 21 confirmed breaches of privacy and several involving municipal confidentiality, undermining trust in governance and exposing the City to legal and financial risks. In one breach, the Mayor intentionally leaked to media a privileged and confidential report into his own mistreatment of staff. This leak became the subject of an independent investigation, in which the investigator determined that the Mayor “was either willfully blind” or he “intentionally disregarded” the steps Council took to protect the confidentiality of the report. The Attorney General has now intervened and is seeking a mandatory injunction compelling the Mayor to return all copies of the report.

Three independent investigations have concluded that the Mayor breached the Code of Conduct on separate occasions. Despite Council applying corrective measures, the investigation reports noted a lack of accountability by the Mayor and indicated “Council must proceed on the assumption that he is likely to continue to disclose confidential documents either through lack of care or simply when it suits him.”

The Mayor has missed almost 50% of the closed or special Council meetings since taking office—including all closed Council meetings since August 13, 2024—many times without any explanation at all. He has also refused to participate in investigations and neglected key responsibilities, further disrupting governance and obstructing both transparency and accountability.

The Mayor’s actions have led to escalating legal costs and resource strain, with taxpayers bearing the burden of an estimated more than $1 million in additional expenses halfway through his term.

Council introduced strict protocols to safeguard sensitive information, restricting the Mayor’s access to personal, privileged, and confidential City documents. Staff continue to collaborate with the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner to minimize the impact of previous and future breaches.

To ensure timely execution of official duties, Council authorized the Deputy Mayor to sign documents in cases where the Mayor does not fulfill this responsibility in a timely manner. 

Council reinforced legal and ethical responsibilities by distributing and publicly reading elements of the Oath of Office in Council Chambers during an open meeting. As recommended in the Braun Report and in Code of Conduct investigation reports, Council implemented measures aimed at encouraging the Mayor to comply with his ethical responsibilities, including reductions in his remuneration. Council remains open to dialogue with the Mayor and has given him the option of reversing these measures by taking corrective action, such as apologizing or participating in training, which the Mayor has so far declined to do. 

Protective measures were introduced to shield City employees from harmful interactions, limit direct contact, and ensure a respectful workplace environment. The Mayor’s office was relocated to support these efforts.

Council arranged expert training sessions on governance and workplace communications, though the Mayor declined to participate. Council also reassigned spokesperson responsibilities and external appointments to encourage governance improvement.

Council worked with provincial and municipal partners to advocate for stronger legislative safeguards against inappropriate conduct by elected officials, emphasizing the need for reforms to protect staff and uphold effective governance.

Despite receiving clear guidance from Municipal Advisor Braun aimed at improving conduct, communication, and leadership skills, the Mayor has not demonstrated meaningful efforts to address or implement these recommendations. Council remains committed to fostering accountability and ethical governance, even in the absence of cooperation.