Wynne defends candidate who was subject of reprimand
Law society disciplined Sgro over harassment by her firm
Premier Kathleen Wynne is defending a controversial Liberal candidate who was reprimanded by the law society after 155 complaints of harassment and intimidation against staff at her firm.
“We were very aware of the situation,” Wynne told reporters after making an announcement about expanding the emergency department at Scarborough’s Centenary hospital.
“We have a very strict vetting process in place and my understanding is that she has gone through a process with the law society.
“There have been apologies and she has complied with all of the requirements with the law society.”
Sgro, who is running in the Humber River—Black Creek riding, was disciplined by the Law Society of Upper Canada in 2013 for professional misconduct after allegations that her staff used aggressive tactics when working with a debt collection firm.
The decision in that case said the tone and manner during phone calls to those who owed money “crossed the line,” and were “abusive.” One complainant felt unsafe after the employee told her he had investigated her and knew more about her than his wife.
It also said that sending out letters, signed by Sgro herself — who at the time went by Deanna Lynn Natale — along with “draft” court documents led many recipients to think legal action had been launched. The decision called the practice “deceitful and misleading.”
The calls and letters led one infirm 83-year-old to panic, thinking he was going to lose his house over a decadeold credit card debt. Wynne has often spoken out against harassment and bullying. When asked if she was “OK with the nature of the allegations” against Sgro’s staff, she responded: “What I’m OK with is that she’s gone through a process. There have been investigations and she’s complying with all of the requirements of the law society.”
Sgro is running in the riding her mother, Judy, represents federally.
In a previous statement emailed to the Star, Sgro said after she took over the firm, “some mistakes were made and as a lawyer I am responsible for all matters in my office including the behaviour of my staff.
“I accepted absolute responsibility for their conduct, I fully co-operated with the law society and apologized . . . I respected and participated in the process with honesty and transparency.”