An integrity commissioner who investigated a complaint against a Northern Bruce Peninsula councillor concluded the elected official did not contravene the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.
During a July 25 meeting, a report by Municipal Clerk Cathy Addison about an integrity commissioner’s report into an alleged failure to disclose a conflict of interest by Coun. Laurie Golden was received by Northern Bruce Peninsula council. It recommends council acknowledge the findings: Golden did not contravene the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act or council’s Code of Conduct.
“I’m happy with the results,” says Golden. “I’m happy they took the time and really explained things, and looked into things.”
The report says a complaint was received on Jan. 25 by the integrity commissioner on how Golden had gone against a section of the code of conduct when she took part in discussions on tourism boating in Tobermory, as one of the companies is owned by her brother.
The integrity commissioner’s report says the complaint arose when council discussed a zoning by-law for tour boat operators during a meeting in December 2021.
Bruce Anchor Cruises, a company owned by Golden’s brother, is one of the several tour boat operators in Tobermory. The complainant alleged that Golden had a conflict of interest she did not declare.
The complaint came to council in a letter dated Dec. 19, 2021.
The integrity commissioner provided notice of the complaint to Golden on Jan. 27.
“In her Feb. 7, 2022 response to me, Coun. Golden acknowledged that she had, in the past, declined to take part in a discussion or decision that was primarily regarding Bruce Anchor,” says the integrity commissioner’s report. “Coun. Golden argues that any reasonably well informed person in the municipality would know that several boat tours have been operating under this zoning for decades. She reports that, currently, several boat tours, dive charters, and the Chi Cheemaun ferry are operating.”
The report says the councillor denied her interest in the matter was solely for the purpose of advancing a private or personal interest, and the tour industry is crucial to the economy of the area as it would be disastrous if the boats were not allowed within the zone in question.
“Coun. Golden asserts that it is her duty to support and preserve the economic well being of her community. She maintains that she is well informed regarding her community, not only in respect to its citizens, but also its history, and the economics of the area. Her commitment and work within the community is well established, over three terms of council, and decades of community involvement,” says the integrity commissioner’s report.
The integrity commissioner concluded Golden did not contravene the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act or any sections of the municipality’s Code of Conduct.