Chiarelli investigation to proceed despite claim of council bias

Ottawa's integrity commissioner is vowing to go ahead with his investigation into alleged behaviour by Coun. Rick Chiarelli despite a demandfrom Chiarelli's lawyer that the probe be suspended due to council's "patent and palpable bias" against the College ward councillor.

• Chiarelli investigation 'at a standstill,' says integrity commissioner

On Wednesday, integrity commissioner Robert Marleau said he's going forward with his investigation, even though Chiarellihas so far refused to participate in the process. In December, Chiarelli had heart bypass surgery, and in January, his wife wrote on Twitter that the councillor had suffered a post-operative infection.

City councillor questions length of Chiarelli investigation

5 years ago

Duration 1:22

Coun. Shawn Menard wants to know when the investigation into Coun. Rick Chiarellis alleged behaviour will be completedIn an email to Marleau and city solicitor David White on Tuesday evening, Chiarelli's lawyer, Bruce Sevigny,wrote that "there has been an overwhelming demonstration of patent and palpable bias, by Mayor Jim Watson and other members of Ottawa City Council, which has completely undermined our client's legal rights, the integrity of the City's policies and procedures, and the confidence of themost right-minded members of the public."

• Chiarelli's leave request denied
• Analysis:Councillors taking a stand on Chiarelli, the only way they can

A CBCNews investigation last fall corroborated the stories of 13 women who accused the councillor of inappropriate behaviour. CBCreported the experiences of eight of them.

One job applicantalleged Chiarellihad asked her about going braless to work events, while another said the councillor had asked if she had ever considered stripping.

• 'Better without a bra': More women come forward with allegations against Chiarelli
• Councillor asked job applicant about going braless, woman alleges
• Former Chiarelli staffer comes forward with familiar tale

Chiarelli has denied the allegations both through his lawyer and in a personal statement, where he blamed the accusations against him on "mob mentality."

But Marleau said his investigation will continue.

"The only thing that will halt this investigation will be an order from the court," Marleau said Wednesday after tabling his interim report on his investigation into thenumerous formal complaints.

Marleau will allow 'reasonable' time

Chiarelli's lawyer has said in the past that he would seek a judicial review of the integrity commissioner's jurisdiction to oversee the investigation, but Marleau said he's not aware of any such application.

Marleau noted integrity investigations should be completed within 90 days, and therefore should have wrapped up on Jan. 13. However, given Chiarelli's personal circumstances, Marleau said he'll allow a reasonable amount of time before completing his final report.

"Reasonable would be what determination I can make with his lawyer about setting a date, if he's willing to participate," Marleau said.

Marleau has the power to subpoena Chiarelli, but wouldn't say Wednesday whether he would do that. He added that he could complete his investigation without the councillor's input.