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A Conflict of Interest

28 June 2011 4 Comments

Both the Ottawa Citizen and CBC ran stories today regarding the recusal of Mathieu Fleury from the debate of a proposed new Claridge property in Bruyère community.

Ouch. They don’t call it a “conflict” of interest for nothing.

From what they reported in the media, this was a difficult decision for Mathieu.

Neighbours in the community were terribly upset to hear the news that Councillor Fleury would have to recuse himself from any discussion and vote on this property as his father works for the developer. Many of them voted for the councillor and were clearly expecting that he would work for their interests on this file. Mr. Fleurry won the ward by a mere 87 votes so he clearly owes every voter his ear.

But municipal rules are in place for a reason; to ensure everything is above board and this is one of those cases. This is clearly a conflict of interest and the councillor has to abide by the rules of the Municipal Act.

Fortunately, the voters in the Bruyère community voted for two people to represent them and in case the first can’t step in for whatever the reason, the second would have to fulfil the role. So, in this case, it falls upon Mayor Jim Watson to be the voice of the community on this very sensitive issue. The Mayor found a lot of support in this ward during the recent election. Also, Mayor Watson is very capable of dealing with this file on behalf of Councillor Fleury’s constituents and I expect to see the mayor’s office work hard to find a solution.

The voters can’t be left without direct representation.

4 Comments »

Guy Annable said:

what does his father DO for Claridge devleopements , If he is not on the development team or connceted with the actual project or carries influence as a senior management role , then it could be reviewed and he may be able to work on the file. in my view he is a 100% straight up councilor and unlike RICK C keeps his hands out of devleopers pockets and works for the interest of his constitiuients. I hope this recusal is reviewed by the Ethics Dept at city of Ottawa, Mathieu did the right thing and I hope he is able to contribute to the process of evalauting this Intensification Project and in line with the City building Objectives.

# 28 June 2011 at 10:44 am

Lucia said:

Good for you @MathieuFleury. Can you imagine if you hadn’t moved away from this issue? You continue to impress

# 28 June 2011 at 11:45 am

jenny said:

I am not sure it’s Matt’s fault where his father makes a living.

However, to avoid an appearance of impropriety, he is right to recuse himself.

The real question is: what about the corruption w/other councillors who do not have a father working for a developer and constantly sell off out city’s valuables for personal and lucrative favours?!

# 28 June 2011 at 12:21 pm

ian s said:

I’m wondering which councillor he talked to. I’m betting a developer toadie like Rickie. Best to get any help against the free unfettered access to Ottawa out of thw way.

Anyone feel the city smells like anything but sh!t during the Landsdowne Live trial?

# 28 June 2011 at 2:30 pm