Stouffville’s ethics czar steps down
Suzanne Craig, who is still ethics watchdog for the City of Vaughan and the TDSB, did not give reasons for her decision, but her exit follows tumultuous period in the town.

TheStar.com
Jan. 22, 2018
Noor Javed

The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville is losing its ethics watchdog, after she informed council she will be stepping down at the end of the month.

Suzanne Craig submitted her resignation last Monday, the town confirmed.

“We are currently working out the details of a transition period in which Ms. Craig would provide coverage until a new integrity commissioner is appointed,” said town spokesperson Glenn Jackson, who did not provide reasons as to why Craig was leaving the town.

Craig, who is still the ethics czar for the City of Vaughan and the Toronto District School Board, took on the role of interim integrity commissioner for Stouffville last February and soon found herself pursuing an unusual complaint from staff regarding a bizarre CSI-style wall display found in Mayor Justin Altmann’s office washroom.

In her months-long investigation of the wall in which Altmann had posted photographs of former and current colleagues connected with hand-drawn arrows to make an elaborate maze, Craig said its existence was “vexatious” and a “serious incident of workplace harassment.”

Council supported her recommendation to dock Altmann 30 days pay, and have him issue a formal apology within 90 days of her report.

Altmann, who failed to apologize by the December deadline, has repeatedly challenged Craig’s findings, and said he would pursue a judicial review of her decision on the wall.

Altmann’s lawyer Hermie Abraham suggested Craig’s probe was biased and lacked natural justice.

It is not clear if Altmann has already filed for a review of her decision. He did not respond to questions about when he planned to do so.

Sources told the Star Craig is still pursuing at least three complaints against the mayor, including one in regards to his refusal to comply with council’s direction to offer an open apology.

Craig would not confirm the code complaints, but in an email to the Star said she will be bringing her office’s annual report to council next month — at which point she would make a statement regarding her resignation.

She did not provide an answer as to why she is stepping down.

Councillor Hugo Kroon said councillors were “quite surprised by the integrity commissioner’s sudden announcement” and said from what he knew, it “has nothing to do with her work with ... the town.”

“I’m saddened to see her go as she has been such a valuable resource for our town, especially as she has been instrumental in ensuring that all members of council adhere to the strict standards set out by the town’s code of conduct,” said Kroon.

“All of the work she has provided for us has been positive and has helped the town move forward towards much healing.”

Council will choose the next integrity commissioner after staff conducts a comprehensive search on potential candidates, he said.

“There are a number of highly qualified individuals on our radar, and I am sure there are others who are as capable, dedicated and willing to provide the similar service to our town, and help alleviate the concerns that some may have.”