Vaughan deputy mayor Michael Di Biase, accused of sexually harassing city worker, resigns

torontosun.com, cnews.canoe.com
BY SHAWN JEFFORDS
May 18, 2017

Vaughan Deputy Mayor Michael Di Biase has resigned after the release of a stunning integrity commissioner’s report which alleges he sexually harassed a city worker.

In a news release sent to the Toronto Sun by his lawyers, Di Biase says he will step down from his roles as deputy mayor, regional councillor and councillor. He also says he is proud of his 29 years of service to the city and maintains his innocence.

“I do not wish to be a distraction from the important work that is ahead for our council in protecting the interests of this city,” he said.

The resignation comes on the heels of a report from Vaughan Integrity Commissioner Suzanne Craig, who found that Di Biase sexually harassed a city worker. She referred an allegation that the same worker was sexually assaulted to the police but it’s not immediately clear if officers are investigating.

“The respondent’s conduct created and contributed to an intimidating and offensive work environment for the complainant, contrary to his obligations under the code and under the City’s Respectful Workplace Policy,” Craig wrote in her report.

“Such actions seriously undermine the trust placed in elected officials and the principles underlying their oath of office.”

Craig wrote she received a complaint in January 2017 from a worker whose identity she keeps confidential. The incidents are alleged to have occurred between March and July 2016.

The woman told Craig that (Di Biase) “grabbed my breasts, thrusted himself against me, attempted to kiss me and put his tongue in my mouth on about five or six more occasions. Each time, I would tell the respondent to stop, that his conduct was unwelcome and made me uncomfortable.”

When she later confronted him during a phone call, which she recorded, he admitted to making the sexual advances, according to Craig.

“He made light of his actions by making further unwelcome advances,” Craig wrote.

Craig also noted that Di Biase’s lawyers characterize the veteran politician as “a warm and loving person” who takes great exception to the allegations. They further counter that he is the victim of entrapment.

“The complainant made advances toward the respondent with the intention of winning his allegiance and loyalty in office skirmishes that she was having within the office and other staff and councillor(s) outside the office,” Di Biase’s lawyers write.

Craig wrote in her report she is unconvinced.

“It is my opinion, based on the evidence before me, that the respondent knew or ought reasonably to have known that his conduct was unwelcome and/or unwanted,” she said.

Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua said Thursday that he found the allegations against Di Biase “gravely concerning.” He has called a special city council meeting on May 23 to address the report.

“The City of Vaughan takes this matter very seriously and condemns all acts of workplace harassment and reprisal of any kind,” he said.