Due to toxic work environments, the chief administrative officer (CAO), West Nipissing has announced that municipal staff will no more attend meetings of the town council or committee.
This term of council was marred by dysfunction and infighting between councillors, which has limited its ability for municipal business to be done.
“I have a responsibility to protect staff from dangerous situations that may have psychological or emotional impacts,” stated CAO Jay Barbeau in a memo addressed to Mayor and Council.
Barbeau compared the “toxicity and conflict” to other potentially unsafe work conditions, such as faulty equipment,saying”emotional and psychological situations are no less important.”
‘Ridiculously toxic’
Joanne Savage, West Nipissing Mayor said that not having staff at meetings is “a disservice towards our tax payers,” but it wasn’t her job to say if it was right.
“It is up to the CAO if it is the best call. He is responsible for his staff. And am I surprised it’s been done? Savage stated that he was not surprised by the outcome.
“Toxicity” has been around since the beginning. The truth is that no one wants to admit to or even look in the mirror to see their mistakes and how they can improve their position to fulfill their obligations.
Dan Roveda and Rodand Larabie, both councillors, are on the opposing side of the council division. The mayor stated that they support the CAO decision.
“[Staff have]The last two years have been extremely patient. It’s been extremely toxic. And I believe he was forced to. [but] to do it,” Roveda said.
Roveda stated that staff were placed in a position where “all of their contributions have been nit-picked.” I find that these people are professionals and know what they’re doing. There are sometimes council members who have attacked this.”
Asking the province to intervene
Barbeau declined an interview request, but stated in the memo he also sent the correspondence to the ministers municipal affairs, labour, in hopes that the province will intervene.
The ministry of labor stated that it has not received a formal complaint or refusal of work from the Municipality in West Nipissing and will investigate if it does.
Coun. Lise said that she expected the province to step in.
“They have the power of dismissing council. “They have the power to dismiss council at any time,”Snecalsaid.