The municipality of Chatham-Kent has issued a statement following news incoming Chief Administrative Officer Thomas Kelly is the subject of a Ministry of Labour investigation.
As previously reported, a harassment complaint was filed with the Ministry on November 22nd, one week after Mayor Darrin Canniff named Kelly as the replacement for Don Shropshire, who plans to retire.
A municipal bylaw to approve Kelly’s promotion has not been passed by council and Shropshire remains the current CAO.
This morning’s statement reiterates the municipality does not discuss investigations involving specific employees as it would violate the confidentiality of complainants and respondents.
However, Shropshire says any complaints are taken seriously and appropriately investigated.
“The Municipality is guided by its responsibilities as an employer under various pieces of legislation, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Human Rights Code and the Municipal Freedom of information and Protection of Privacy Act,” Shropshire said in the statement. “Comprehensive policies are in place to ensure that our working environment is respectful, and the terms of these policies are shared with all employees.”
According to the Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development, one investigator was assigned to the case against Kelly and one unspecified order was issued to the municipality of Chatham-Kent.
Ministry officials say the investigation is ongoing.