Municipal council passes resolution to cover legal costs for the mayor’s defense
Municipal council passes resolution to cover legal costs for the mayor’s defense
During the most recent municipal meeting of Île-du-Grand-Calumet, the municipal council adopted a resolution stating that it will provide the legal costs of the defense of Mayor Newberry and that the mayor wishes to be take advantage of this measure. The resolution says it follows the various complaints filed against the mayor which led to a citation in ethics of Serge Newberry before the Commission municipale du Québec (CMQ). It should be noted that councilors Elie James Azola Moakong, Réjean Meilleur and Alice Meilleur Pieschke withdrew from the table during this resolution, deeming to be in conflict of interest. The resolution was moved by Councilor Mona Donnelly, seconded by Councilor Martin Bertrand.
The mayor’s defense will be assumed by Me Rino Soucy. Note that an article of the Municipal Code of Quebec provides that legal defense costs must be borne by the municipality.
On the other hand, let us note that the municipal council of Île-du-Grand-Calumet voted a resolution for Councilor Réjean Meilleur to reimburse legal fees, following the case involving him at the CMQ . Contacted by CHIP 101,9, Réjean Meilleur did not want to comment, but advised that the case for him to reimburse legal fees was still active. “As far as I know, it’s still in the small claims court,” Réjean Meilleur said.
Extract from the Île-du-Grand-Calumet
2021-01-020 – Complaint to the Commission municipale du Québec – Related legal fees
Considering that a complaint was made to the Commission municipale du Québec against the mayor of the Municipality;
Considering that article 711.19.1 (2) of the Municipal Code of Quebec provides that the legal defense costs must be assumed by the municipality and that the Mayor wishes to avail himself of this measure;
Consequently, Councilor Mona Donnelly, seconded by Councilor Martin Bertrand, proposes and it is resolved to defray the fees, as provided by the municipal code, related to the mandate granted by the Mayor to Me Rino Soucy.
Councilors Elie James Azola Moakong, Réjean Meilleur and Alice Meilleur Pieschke withdrew from the table considering they had a conflict of interest with the situation.
