A tale of two investigations

Last week, the Ontario Ombudsman’s office completed its investigation into the confiscation of a local reporter’s laptop and notes concluding Niagara Region’s actions were illegal.

The investigation was carried out methodically over eight months and when it was completed it was presented to the Region 17 days in advance before release to the public. Now that all parties are familiar with the conclusion it will be a topic for discussion at the July 26 regional council meeting.

If you compare this investigation with the one carried out by Marvin Huberman representing the Region’s integrity commissioner ADR Chambers on the hiring of the regional CAO Carmen D’Angelo, you have to question the content of Mr. Huberman’s report. This investigation was carried out by a firm hired by the Region. It took approximately two months, rushed to say the least, left many key questions unanswered. The 42-page report was presented to council at a meeting without the courtesy of letting the councillors review it in advance. Mr. Huberman touched on the high points with a conclusion stating there was no wrongdoing and, after a number of questions were answered, a vote took place to accept his decision and close the case.

After comparing the two investigations I believe you can now see why Grimsby Coun. Tony Quirk recommended ADR Chambers over the ombudsman. We all have a chance to rectify this problem Oct. 22, so mark this date on your calendar and exercise your right for change in the upcoming election.

Robert Milenkoff

Welland