- by Anne Finlay-Stewart, Editor

Following a recent finding against the Township of Southgate and its CAO for gender-based discrimination, the issue of workplace harassment has been raised in another Grey County municipality.

Georgian Bluffs Councillor Cathy Moore Coburn made a notice of motion at Wednesday's council meeting.  Stating that municipal staff have the right to a safe workplace, Coburn offered the following notice [not verbatim]:

"Mayor Burley, through you to council, I give notice of motion regarding development of a "Whistleblower" policy, sometimes referred to as "Disclosure of Wrongdoing and Reprisal Protection". Such policy would prohibit the municipality from taking punitive measures against whistle-blowing employees, because of their whistleblowing activity, that could adversely affect their employment. This includes threats, intimidation, or coercion in relation to the employees' employment.

In addition, I will ask that council approve a policy on mandatory training for staff and all of council, Mr. Mayor, in order to ensure a zero-tolerance approach to workplace harassment and violence."

There were no details about any issues in Georgian Bluffs' municipal offices that might have precipitated the recommendation of these policies at this time.

Mayor Dwight Burley was the subject of complaints by members of council  in 2020 which resulted in an investigation by the municipality's Integrity Commissioner, and training for the whole council on respect, harassment and bullying.  The Township is currently looking for its fourth CAO  in two years.