Nanaimo city council calls on RCMP to investigate mayor

The city council in Nanaimo, B.C., has gone public with several allegations of improper behaviourby the city's mayor and has asked the RCMP to investigate one of theallegations.

The movecomes after more than a year of tension and conflict around the council table in the Vancouver Island community.

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A statement posted onthe city's websiteon Tuesdayoutlines the grievances over Mayor Bill McKay's business dealings and concerns about analleged lack of transparency.

City council said it also directedstaff to take information to the RCMP about an alleged breachof confidential and privileged information by the mayor.

That information was related to the settlement of a constructive dismissaland human rights complaintagainst the city and chief administrative officer, and sharing it could be a violation of the Offense Act,the press releasesaid.

"This isn't a witch hunt. This is information that we have in our possession that we are duty bound to report out on," said CouncillorBillBestwick.

Nanaimo city council also allegedin the statement thatMcKaywas involved inimproper business dealings related to potential foot passenger ferry service coming toNanaimoand that he failed to disclose gifts he received during an official trip to China.

City council said it hasdirected staff to take steps to start litigation related tothose allegations under the Community Charter.

Mayor denies allegations

In a statement on Wednesday, Mayor Bill McKaydismissed the allegations and saidthey areaimed at creating public embarrassment.

"I wish to make my position clear that the allegations of wrongdoing are false. Council's actions and statement are based on speculation, innuendo, misstatements of fact and a misreading of the law," he said in thestatement.

"In my view, the release of council's press release is completely and wholly an effort to discredit, humiliateand embarrass me publicly. I contend that it is nothing more than petty politics and does not serve our community in any positive way."

The RCMPsaidinformation has been received from the City ofNanaimo, but the force has not yet said whether an investigation will be launched.

Previous discord

The allegations against the mayor come after months of tension and conflict atNanaimocity hall. Last month, CouncillorGordFuller told the mayor to "bite me" during a heated exchange at ameeting.

Last year, seven citycouncillorssigned a letter askingMcKayto resign over allegations of bullying behaviour. The mayor refused to step down.

"To say that the political environment inNanaimois tumultuousis most certainly an understatement,"McKaysaid in his statement on Wednesday.

Despite the discord in council chambers, Nanaimo city councillors said city business is getting done.

"We are working diligently. We've accomplished as much as any council that I have sat on in the last four terms," said Bestwick.