Masters explains why she voted in favour of discipline for Shaw

Regina Mayor Sandra Masters explained Thursday why she voted in favour of implementing discipline against Coun. Terina Shaw after a complaint was filed against her.

Masters was one of two members of council at Wednesday’s meeting who voted in favour of sanctioning Shaw.

The complaint was made by Coun. Andrew Stevens in March after Shaw made unprofessional comments on a group chat towards Coun. Shanon Zachidniak.

Masters said she voted in favour of sanctions as she saw it as an opportunity to help Shaw get better.

“I felt that after the investment in the integrity commissioner, the notion that the sanction was actually just continuous learning and trying to be better at something,” Masters said following an appearance on Thursday’s Greg Morgan Morning Show.

“I felt that was a reasonable thing, and I would suggest that as we all go forward, having more discipline about what we say about topics is an important skill to develop and is a skill you have to develop.”

Masters said Shaw has been open to council about her brain injury and her attention deficit disorder.

“She’s been very open with council and makes comments all the time,” Masters said.

“We know she was in a really severe car accident and overcame some pretty incredible odds against that. It’s more a matter of every day, how do we get better? That’s the motto I have.”

The meeting Wednesday also confirmed that Shaw will not face discipline for alleged racist comments she made about members of the Indigenous community earlier this year.

Masters said while council will not make Shaw face discipline, the mayor says that investigation and discussions with those impacted are continuing.

“We did have a meeting with two of the complainants and one of their asks was about perhaps participating in anti-racism training, just to understand how the way we word things and language we use can cause impact and cause potential arm,” Masters explained.

“I don’t believe Coun. Shaw intends to cause harm, nor do I think any member on council does,” the mayor added. “We’re investigating that right now and we’re just looking at options for timing. That’s one step and we’ll deal with it when it comes up.”

Masters says taking anti-racism training is a personal decision, but it’s something in which all of council could be invited to take part.