Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday November 27, 2019
City probes who leaked secret reports to The Spec
As if leaking sewage wasn’t enough, now Hamilton council is targeting information leaks.
November 26, 2019
According to sources, councillors have directed staff to launch an investigation into who gave The Hamilton Spectator confidential city reports on the massive discharge of untreated sewage into Chedoke Creek.
City spokesperson Jasmine Graham declined to comment.
“Conversations with respect to the Chedoke Creek issue were held in closed session. With that, unfortunately we’re not able to share what if anything was discussed.”
But reliable sources say directions given in camera to staff include conducting an internal probe plus the option of consulting Hamilton police.
The secret reports obtained by The Spec revealed that the provincial government is investigating the spill of 24-billion litres of sewage over more than four years, which could lead to charges and significant fines against the city.
The media previously reported on the July 2018 spill. But council, based on strategic legal advice, withheld the two reports detailing the full extent of the disaster from the public.
When The Spec informed city officials on Wednesday that it had obtained the January and September reports, councillors discussed the issue behind closed doors.
During those discussions, senior staff was told to try to find out who breached the rules which prohibit members of council and employees from disclosing confidential information without proper authorization.
Coun. Terry Whitehead wasn’t at the meeting but he strongly supports an investigation.
“Conversations with respect to the Chedoke Creek issue were held in closed session. With that, unfortunately we’re not able to share what if anything was discussed.”
But reliable sources say directions given in camera to staff include conducting an internal probe plus the option of consulting Hamilton police.
The secret reports obtained by The Spec revealed that the provincial government is investigating the spill of 24-billion litres of sewage over more than four years, which could lead to charges and significant fines against the city.
The media previously reported on the July 2018 spill. But council, based on strategic legal advice, withheld the two reports detailing the full extent of the disaster from the public.
When The Spec informed city officials on Wednesday that it had obtained the January and September reports, councillors discussed the issue behind closed doors.
During those discussions, senior staff was told to try to find out who breached the rules which prohibit members of council and employees from disclosing confidential information without proper authorization.
Coun. Terry Whitehead wasn’t at the meeting but he strongly supports an investigation. (Hamilton Spectator)