City of Hamilton to investigate how former white-supremacist leader got hired

The City of Hamilton is pledgingto conducta "thoroughinvestigation" after concerns were raised that theformer head of a white supremacistorganization has beenworking in the city's information-technology (IT)department since at least 2012.

Matthew Green, who was Hamilton's first black councillor from 2014 to 2018, said he felt betrayed and threatened to learn of the city's employment of former Heritage Front leader Marc Lemire.

Greenand other community membershave raised privacy and safety concernsabout Lemireworking inIT, and want to knowhow much the city knew about his past when it hired him.

In an email to CBC News, Lemire said he rejects the Heritage Frontand he's neither a white supremacist nor a neo-Nazi. He says it is not true that he was once the leader of the Heritage Front.

There has been no publicallegation of wrongdoing by Lemirein his work for the city.

City says 'appropriate action' will be taken if necessary

Councillorsdiscussed the revelation atlength behind closed doors late Wednesday, after which the investigation was announced.

Lora Fontana, head of the city's human resources department, said Thursday that staff can't comment on personnel matters, but they do take allegations about inappropriate behaviour and "possible misconduct" seriously.

"It is important that we take a measured approach to the investigation to ensure we gain a deeper understanding of the situation, determine the facts, and remain respectful of all concerns and parties throughout the process," she wrote.

The statement did not say what the investigation will consider.

Along with community members, Green,anoutspoken anti-racism advocate, wants to know what sensitive personal information Lemire has had access to as part of his work, and if he accessed any of itinappropriately.

They also want to know if the city knew of Lemire's background when it hired him, and whether staff tooksteps to hide or conceal Lemire's employment at the city.

If the investigation"substantiates a policy violation, appropriate action will be taken," Fontana said.

Lemire's extension hasn't been accessiblein the dial-by-name directory, and only a human switchboard operator would connect a caller. The only online document connecting Lemire to his department is an organizational chart in a 2012 budget document.

Lemire denies involvement 'in politics'

Multiple sources have confirmed Lemire's employment to CBC News, and Vice Canadareported it Wednesday.

The city would not say when Lemire started working, but a 2012 document with his name on it shows he has been there at least that long.

In his email toCBCHamilton,Lemiresaidthat he "has not been involved in politics for many years."

Lemire's known involvement inwhite-supremacist activities began more than twodecades ago. In 1996, he launched a website called The Freedom Site, styling himself as a free-speech crusader. The sitewas last updated in 2015.

Lemire has also been closely connected to white nationalist Paul Fromm, who recently moved to Hamilton andran for mayor last year.

In a statement sent to CBC News, Lemire saidthe websitenow acts as an archive ofhis battleagainst the now-repealed Section 13 of the Canadian Human Rights Act. While he lost hischallenge ofthe definition of internet hate speech under the Act, his fightcontributed tothe repeal of Section 13.

"The Heritage Front stuff dates back to when I was a teenager," he said,linkingto an article in which he said he's not a Nazi or white supremacist.

"I reject the Heritage Front for what it was, as I have stated consistently for over 11 years."

Councillor'satisfied' matter is being taken seriously

Greensaid he has serious concerns about how much of his personal information and communications Lemirehas access to.

He saidthe city has eroded public trust by appearingto cover up Lemire's employment,andquestions whether it's letting white supremacistsinfiltrate local government.

"Quite frankly, I find it frightening," Green said in a written statement, adding he felt betrayed by former city manager Chris Murray, and senior city staff, "who must have been in the know and willfully kept this potential threat from me."

I can't stress enough how seriously our staff are taking the situation.- Coun.Nrinder Nann

Murray is now the city manager in Toronto. Astatement from a spokesperson there said Murraywas unaware Lemire worked for the City of Hamilton.

Hamilton Coun.Nrinder Nannsaid she was also "surprisedand concerned" to learn of Lemire'spast.

Nann said she couldn't provide details about the investigation,but said she'shappy one will take place.

"I can't stress enough how seriously our staff are taking the situation," she said.

"I feel satisfied as as councillor that the areas I wanted to make sure were integrated, and [that] other councillors raised as concerns, will be addressed."