A Ministry of Labour investigation is ongoing after a harassment complaint was filed against Chatham-Kent’s newly promoted Chief Administrative Officer.
The Ministry of Labour Training and Skills Development confirmed to CKXS News on Thursday that it was notified of the harassment complaint against Thomas Kelly after it was filed on November 22, 2021. One ministry investigator has been assigned to the case and the employer, Chatham-Kent, was issued an unspecified order. The ministry said the investigation remains ongoing.
Kelly was first hired by the municipality in 2012 and is the current general manager of infrastructure and engineering. Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff announced on November 15, 2021 that Kelly had been named Chatham-Kent’s new CAO, replacing Don Shropshire who was expected to retire at the end of last year.
However, the bylaw to approve Kelly’s promotion has not been passed by council and Shropshire remains the current CAO.
“Council chose not to pass it,” Shropshire said when asked why the bylaw had not been passed. “I don’t have any other information other than that.”
The municipality has declined to comment on the ministry’s investigation into Kelly’s conduct and how it will impact the CAO role within Chatham-Kent.
“The municipality does not comment on personnel matters,” Shropshire said.