OPP’s investigation into Vaughan Deputy Mayor Michael Di Biase ‘active and ongoing’

York Regional Police asked provincial force to get involved in investigating city contracts signed when Di Biase was mayor, and the role he played in tendering processes.

Thestar.com
May 6, 2015
By Noor Javed

The Ontario Provincial Police has confirmed that it is investigating “allegations of criminal wrongdoing” involving Vaughan’s embattled deputy mayor, Michael Di Biase.

The OPP said they received a request from York Regional Police Chief Eric Jolliffe last month to “conduct an external and independent investigation into allegations of criminal wrongdoing involving a member of council for the City of Vaughan,” said spokesman Sgt. Peter Leon. “That investigation is ongoing, and so I can’t speak specifically to it,” he said.

This is the latest chapter in the saga involving the veteran regional councillor, who was the subject of a scathing report by the city’s integrity commissioner. It found he broke code-of-conduct rules by interfering in the procurement process and creating a “culture of fear” among staff who pushed back.

Di Biase did not respond to numerous requests for comment on the OPP investigation.

Local newspaper The Vaughan Citizen has reported that police are investigating city contracts signed during Di Biase’s long political career, including when he was mayor from 2002 to 2006. They are also looking into what role Di Biase may have played in the city’s tendering process to secure municipal contracts for preferred companies.

Leon would not confirm this information, but said the investigation is “active” and was assigned to a “senior detective inspector from our criminal investigation branch.”

YRP said it had initially been approached with allegations around Di Biase, but transferred the investigation to the OPP to ensure independence.

“As the subject of our complaint sits on Regional Council, we want to ensure there is no appearance of any bias as the investigation moves forward,” said YRP spokesman Const. Andy Pattenden.

As a regional councillor with the city of Vaughan, Di Biase also has a seat on the York Region council, which makes budgetary decisions relating to the police service.

In April, fellow councillors unanimously decided to endorse ethics czar Suzanne Craig’s recommendation to dock Di Biase 90 days’ pay - the toughest penalty available under the Municipal Act.

Di Biase’s pay freeze came into effect on April 22, according to the city.