Watch above: An embattled city councillor could be in more hot water over a leaked confidential document, this time by the Regina Police Service. Joel Streck explains why an already reprimanded Pat Lorje might be under the microscope again.
SASKATOON – An investigation has been launched over a possible breach of the Cities Act after a confidential city of Saskatoon document was leaked. The investigation is being headed by a senior Regina police investigator.
The request for an investigation into the alleged breach was first made in late October by the city clerk to Saskatoon police. Saskatoon Police Service then requested an independent investigation be conducted by Regina Police Service to avoid any possibility of a conflict of interest.
“While we can confirm that we have been asked by the Saskatoon Police Service to conduct an investigation into an alleged breach of the Cities Act, the Regina Police Service will not make further comment on an ongoing investigation,” Regina police spokesperson Elizabeth Popowich stated in a release.
It is believed the investigation involves Ward 2 Coun. Pat Lorje.
Lorje was sanctioned by Saskatoon city council on Monday for breaching the city council code of conduct and will have restricted access to private city documents for the next year.
Read more: Saskatoon city councillor Pat Lorje reprimanded
Lorje stated that when she sought advice, she did not realize she was in breach of the code of conduct.
“I certainly did not intend to be in breach by seeking private, independent confidential advice from a trusted advisor. I did not consider such a person to be a ‘member of the public’ as defined in the city’s code of conduct,” said Lorje.
Under the Cities Act, councillors are required “to keep in confidence matters discussed in private at a council or council committee meeting until discussed at a meeting held in public.”
It is believed she showed a document concerning the 11th Street riverbank slump to former MLA and colleague Eric Cline, an allegation Lorje would neither confirm or deny. Lorje says her legal team has advised her to remain silent on the subject.
The results of the investigation will be reviewed by the Ministry of Justice.
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