CALGARY- At City Hall on Monday, Mayor Naheed Nenshi defended his assertion that he had received complaints about city councillors being under the influence at public events.
Last week, a lively debate ensued after it was suggested councillors no longer be allowed to have alcohol in their offices or expense drinks while travelling.
At that time, councillors voted to ban alcohol at city hall and also passed a motion preventing councillors from expensing alcohol with the exception of third party meetings.
On Monday, however, at least one councillor demanded an apology from Nenshi for suggesting councillors were abusing alcohol or illicit drugs at work.
“If we make an allegation or innuendo, we gotta have facts to back it up,” said Ward 4 Councillor Sean Chu during a heated exchange with the mayor. “So, I’m asking now, who’s doing drugs?”
Nenshi responded by saying he had never accused any councillor of anything and merely brought up what he had heard.
“I just said I have received complaints about this,” said Nenshi.
Ward 2 councillor Joe Magliocca said he is disappointed the mayor didn’t apologize for making the allegations and that he is now considering filing his own motion with the city’s auditor to force Nenshi to expand on his allegations.
Councillors have asked city administrators to recommend possible changes on the substance use policy councillors must follow.
City council is expected to receive the report in March.
-with files from Doug Vaessen
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