A Gravenhurst Town councillor has been formally reprimanded for divulging confidential information.
During the most recent Gravenhurst council meeting, the Town’s integrity commissioner Suzanne Craig ruled that Coun. Jo Morphy had violated council’s code of conduct earlier this year by disclosing information from a closed session of council during a community event.
Council received an investigation report from Craig regarding a complaint against Councillor Morphy.
The integrity commissioner launched an investigation into Morphy’s actions after receiving a complaint on July 10.
Morphy told council she has apologized for her actions, noting she did not “do this with any purpose. I made an error.”
Craig accepted Morhpy’s explanation that she didn’t intend to disclose the information during a public meeting. However, Craig said that lack of intention did not excuse Morphy’s auctions.
“It is insufficient for a member of council to claim to be unaware of what matters are confidential and should not be disclosed publicly when the Town has clear processes that govern how members shall be advised that information is part of a Closed Session agenda,” said Craig.
In her investigation report, the integrity commissioner recommended a reprimand for Morphy.
Additionally, the integrity commissioner recommended remedial education within 60 days for Morphy regarding the handling of confidential town information.
Council subsequently passed a resolution, moved by Coun. Randy Jorgensen and seconded by Coun. Erin Strength, approving the integrity commissioner’s recommendations.
Later, at the direction of the mayor, staff read an official statement of reprimand.
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