Councillor Thapar recieves his 2nd censure

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Editor's Note - This is Sushil Thapar's 2nd censure from Quesnel Council after receiving one in 2011 around his interactions with Quesnel City Staff.  I predict that Councillor Thapar will not stop because of his 2nd censure.  As a point of information - Quesnel Council could look at other options, as the CRD Board did when developing their 'Code of Conduct' which could include taking away a pay (stipend) if a member of local government continues to thumb their nose at their responsibilities under the Community Charter.  See the story from the Rush here

Quesnel City Council has passed a motion of censure regarding improper disclosure by Coun. Sushil Thapar. A motion of censure is a formal statement that Council is reprimanding one of its members for conduct they feel has violated the Charter.
Council passed the motion based on Coun. Thapar’s release of confidential information discussed during duly called and closed-to-the-public meetings.

The motion reads:

WHEREAS members of council have a legal duty to maintain confidentiality;


AND WHEREAS improper disclosure of confidential information, particularly involving personal information, may expose the City to liability;


AND WHEREAS Councilor Thapar has disclosed to the media confidential information in clear breach of confidentiality rules and a specific agreement;


NOW THEREFORE COUNCIL censures Councilor Thapar for his failure to comply with the Community Charter with respect to rules of confidentiality related to closed Council meeting matters.

Council cited several sections of the Community Charter that were of concern, most notably: Section 90, which outlines what issues municipalities may or must discuss in-camera, issues mostly related to labour, land or legal.

This is not the first time Quesnel City Council has passed a motion of censure. At a special Council meeting on June 27, 2011, Council made public a motion to censure Coun. Thapar following a series of events and comments that negatively affected a number of City employees.