Council to consider penalties after code of conduct complaint against Botha

Prince Albert City Councillor Evert Botha could be headed to the penalty box Monday as sanctions are being weighed against him, after he made what agenda documents describe as “inappropriate, disrespectful and derogatory” comments on social media during a Prince Albert Raiders game.

The comments were provided to paNOW on the condition they not be republished.

A potential violation of the Code of Ethics Bylaw by a member of council was reported to the executive committee April 9. The complaint alleged Botha violated Sections 9 and 10 of the ethics bylaw, which outlines the standards and values expected of council members when dealing with each other and employees at City Hall. 

Sections 9 and 10 say council members “shall treat every person, including other members, municipal employees and the public, with dignity, understanding and respect,” and that councillors shall not “engage in discrimination, bullying or harassment in their roles as members.”

During an in-camera meeting, it was recommended that the executive committee impose penalties against Botha in regards to the complaint. Botha and the complainant were advised of the recommendation and were given an opportunity to make oral and written submissions to the committee.

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After considering the submissions, the executive committee concluded that Botha did, in fact, violate the bylaw, and recommended sanctions be imposed.

There are three penalties city council will consider. The first would ask Botha to publicly apologize for his comments to the Prince Albert Raiders Hockey Club, City Council and to the public on social media for three weeks. The second would ensure the form and wording of the public apology are approved by city council. The third would seek to remove Botha from all boards, committees, and official bodies, including his right to speak as a representative of council at public events for one year.

Botha declined to comment until Monday when he was contacted by paNOW.

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr