Mayor Elizabeth Roy’s Statement on Integrity Commissioner’s Report Findings

Today, the Town of Whitby released the agenda for a Special Council Meeting scheduled for April 20, which includes an Integrity Commissioner’s report titled ‘Recommendations Regarding Complaints Against Councillor Leahy.’

I appreciate the Integrity Commissioner’s thorough, independent, and fair investigation into the complaints regarding Councillor Leahy’s conduct as a Member of Council.

The report concludes that Councillor Leahy breached the Council Code of Conduct through his public actions and interactions with Town staff, and that this conduct undermined trust and confidence in municipal operations and caused harm to our staff.

Elected officials are held to a higher standard, and this report represents the second time during this Council term that the Integrity Commissioner has found that Councillor Leahy breached the Code of Conduct.

Respect for Town staff, professionalism in our conduct, and accountability in our actions are not optional—they are fundamental expectations of public office. The Council Code of Conduct exists to reinforce a culture of dignity, integrity, and trust, and it must be taken seriously by all Members of Council. This is also why Council endorsed the Elect Respect campaign last October, which calls for respectful discourse in politics and challenges toxic behaviour.

Council will receive the report at the April 20 Special Council Meeting and will vote on the recommendations, including a one‑month suspension of pay, as part of the public and transparent process.

I would like to thank Town staff for their professionalism and dedication in serving our community, and for continuing to carry out their work with integrity and respect, even in challenging circumstances.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Office of the Mayor

Jillian Follert
Public Affairs Coordinator, Office of the Mayor
Phone: 289.314.9101
Email: follertj@whitby.ca