Province ponders giving municipalities new ‘tools’ to deal with misconduct
Pitt Meadows councillor opts to resign after conviction on sex assault charge
The sex assault conviction of Pitt Meadows Coun. David Murray and its messy aftermath has the provincial government pondering an overhaul to rules governing municipal councils.
Murray was convicted of sexual assault in Port Coquitlam provincial court this week for an incident that occurred about 25 years ago. The victim’s name is subject to a publication ban.
Murray resigned his seat on council on Sunday.
Councillors Bill Dingwall and Tracy Miyashita had said they would resign their seats rather than serve with Murray.
“I will not sit at the table with David Murray should he choose to remain on council,” said Miyashita. “To do so, would be a slap in the face to the victim and the people I serve in Pitt Meadows.”
“I think it places a huge cloud over us as a council and the reputation of our city,” said Dingwall, a retired RCMP officer with a law degree from the University of Ottawa. “It completely sends the wrong message about sexual assault to victims and, in particular, this victim.”
The Community Charter and Local Government Act offer no process for removing elected officials who are convicted of criminal acts, said Dingwall.
Even bribery, corruption and influence trading are covered by the Criminal Code.
“There are huge gaps (in the legislation) regarding misconduct by elected officials,” said Dingwall.
The Union of B.C. Municipalities is seeking ways to enforce responsible conduct rules that include disqualification from office, according to a policy report released in August.
“I’ve been participating in this process to push for change by the provincial government,” Dingwall said. “Other Canadian cities have implemented mandatory codes of conduct, so there are beacons of hope out there.”
When Murray didn’t immediately resign, Municipal Affairs Minister Selina Robinson said the provincial government would consider changes.
“Sexual assault is a serious crime, and I can understand why people are concerned,” she said.
“... Unfortunately, the ability of the ministry to take action is limited right now, but in light of this situation, we will be looking at whether new tools are needed.”
Dingwall had called on his fellow councillors to censure Murray.
Censure would have limited Murray’s ability to work on committees and represent the city as acting mayor, Dingwall said.
“Staff will find it very difficult and uncomfortable to deal with a member of council who has been convicted of a serious offence,” he said.
Complicating matters was Murray’s status as a member of the de facto ruling slate on council, led by Mayor John Becker.
Murray has continued to serve on council since being charged nearly a year ago.
A parks maintenance worker for the City of Port Coquitlam, Murray has been on paid leave from his job since Oct. 2 while the city resolves his employment status, according to a spokesperson.
Becker and Murray did not respond to inquiries by press time.