Councillor apologizes for texting while driving during livestream

An Ottawa city councillor has apologized for "inadvertently" texting while driving Tuesday, a lapse in judgment that was livestreamed via YouTubeduring a virtual meeting of the city's audit committee.

Osgoodecouncillor and deputy mayorGeorge Darouzeinitially joined the 9:30 a.m. meetingfrom what looked like his kitchen, and even askeda detailed question about the accounting procedures surrounding the city's public-private partnership atLansdownePark, one of the audits tabled Tuesday.

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Around 11:30 a.m., the livestream showedDarouze getting behind the wheel of a vehicle. He puton his seatbelt, as well as headphones, presumably to keep listening to the meeting.His device appears to be sittingin the passenger seat, the camera facing him.

He beganto drive the passing scenery clearly visible through the driver side window andpulledout a cell phone. He then beganto text with his thumbs, taking his eyes off the road several times.At one point, Darouzefumbledaround with his right hand to find his glasses, thenputthem on.

Eventually, Darouzelookedtoward the second wireless device in the passenger seat and turnedoff the camera.

The councillor didn't respond to a request for comment, but posted the following brief apology on Facebook:

"This morning, I inadvertently texted while I was driving. I apologize for this and commit to my family and residents that this won't happen again."

Later Tuesday afternoon, Darouzereplaced that post with another statement, this time admitting his behaviour was a "stupid thing to do."

"I should not have done this. I commit to my family and residents that this won't happen again," reads the public post.

Ottawa police aware of video

A number of people on social media are calling for police to charge the councillor for distracted driving, and for Mayor Jim Watson to weigh in.

A statement from the mayor's office said he "trusts that this will not happen again."

Ottawa police said in an emailed statement that they're aware of a video of "a driver with a handheld device," without naming Darouze. Policesaid the driver appears to be violating theHighway Traffic Act, and said theywill investigate if theyreceivea public complaint.