Chiarelli makes council appearance to prevent possible loss of his seat

Embattled Coun. Rick Chiarelli arrived at Ottawa city council in a wheelchair Wednesday, surrounded by family members.

Chiarelli did not stay for the full meeting and did not make any public comments. His wife, Lida, later said on social media that Chiarelli felt he had no option but to come in.

“He feels he owes it to his constituents to do what he must, in the short term, to ensure he maintains his seat,” she wrote.

“He has no confidence whatsoever that any additional application he would make for medical leave would be considered objectively given council’s, the mayor’s and the city clerk’s actions in the past months and especially since they did not accept the three previous doctor’s notes he already submitted.”

Chiarelli is recovering from a Dec. 13 open-heart operation, for a quadruple bypass, which left him in hospital for weeks with complications. On Wednesday, he appeared to still have tubes or wires connected to his chest.

Without approved leave, he must appear at city council at least once every three months or he could lose his seat. Chiarelli previously appeared at a council budget meeting on Dec. 11.

Chiarelli, city councillor for College Ward, asked for medical leave in September after several women claimed he had made remarks or requests of a sexual nature during job interviews or on the job.

Chiarelli has denied all allegations, which include claims that he directed staff to gather intel from people at strip clubs.

In October, city council denied his request for leave. Members of council and Mayor Jim Watson, have encouraged him to resign.

His case sparked protests, including trees at city hall decorated with bras, in reference to allegations that he asked potential staff members whether they would go braless.

In her note Wednesday, Lida Chiarelli said the veteran councillor’s staff continue to deal with constituent concerns and keep him apprised of issues in the ward.

“Thank you to everyone who continues to support Rick and our whole family. We are truly grateful.”