Vaughan integrity boss to release findings of code of conduct probe

YorkRegion.com
April 9, 2015
Adam Martin-Robbins

Vaughan’s integrity boss is expected in the coming days to release findings from an investigation triggered by a code of conduct complaint lodged late last year against Deputy Mayor Michael Di Biase.

In a related report posted on the city’s website this week, Integrity Commissioner Suzanne Craig states that a communication detailing what, if anything, she found during her probe will be available to councillors and posted online for the April 14 committee of the whole meeting.

At this time, there’s little information available about the complaint or the scope of the investigation into Di Biase’s alleged breach of city hall’s code of conduct.

Di Biase said, at this point, he can’t comment on the matter.     

He noted that Craig provided him with an opportunity to respond to the findings of her investigation before finalizing her report and he met with his lawyer this week to discuss the matter.

“My lawyer is responding to her and I’m not sure what’s going to happen, whether her original report is going to come forward or she’s going to modify it or she’s going to postpone it,” Di Biase said. “Eventually, she’ll bring forward a report and then I’ll comment on it. But right now, I don’t have any comments because I don’t know what she’s bringing forward.”  

Di Biase’s lawyer is Morris Manning, widely considered one of Canada’s leading criminal defence attorneys.

Manning defended former Vaughan mayor Linda Jackson in her legal battles related to alleged campaign finance irregularities.  

Check back here for updates on this unfolding story.