Masters says action against LeBlanc, Stevens will be discussed next week

What will happen to councillors Dan LeBlanc and Andrew Stevens remains to be seen after reports by the City of Regina’s integrity commissioner were discussed at Wednesday’s city council meeting.

Mayor Sandra Masters confirmed on the Greg Morgan Morning Show on Thursday that repercussions against LeBlanc and Stevens will be discussed at next week’s executive committee meeting in private, adding the result of those discussions will be made public.

“It’s a personnel matter. We don’t want to be having discussions about personnel matters (in public),” she said.

Integrity Commissioner Angela Kruk put together two reports in total: One stemming from two complaints from the public about Stevens and LeBlanc through the Code of Ethics bylaw, and another one that looks into Stevens issuing a confidential report.

The first report calls for the two councillors to give a written apology to city manager Niki Anderson for the lawsuit they launched against her in December.

In November, Stevens launched court action against Anderson after she didn’t include nearly $25 million in funding for the homelessness plan. LeBlanc — a lawyer acting on behalf of Stevens and a member of the public — sought to force Anderson to include the funding for the plan in the budget.

The application was tossed out of court in December.

Stevens said at Wednesday’s council meeting he needs clarity on what exactly they’re apologizing for.

“Am I sorry that the members of council and city manager and other members of staff experienced disrespectful backlash for their decisions? Absolutely and I can say that without hesitation,” he added.

However, when it comes to the hate they faced from the community at large, Stevens said that’s part of the job.

With regard to the written apology, LeBlanc said he doesn’t think city council will actually accept an honest apology from him, unless it aligns with council’s feelings and beliefs.

“What it functions as, in effect, is coerced speech,” he added.

In addition, LeBlanc said it would be inconsistent with his beliefs if he acted any differently.

“This is principally political and it’s really dangerous to discipline for activity of that sort,” he added.

Meanwhile, Coun. Lori Bresciani said city council isn’t a court of law, adding she wants to be able to have a conversation without going to court.

“We are (in) council chambers. We need to respect (each other) and work together,” she said.

— With files from 980 CJME’s Lisa Schick and Lindsay Newman