Chiarelli's leave request denied

The College ward councillor, who's facing numerous allegations of inappropriate behaviour, must attend council by the end of November or his seat will be declared vacant.

College ward councillor must attend council by end of November or his seat will be declared vacant

Joanne Chianello CBC News Posted: Oct 23, 2019 11:01 AM EDT | Last Updated: October 24, 2019

College ward Coun. Rick Chiarelli hasn't been seen in his public role as councillor since mid-August. (CBC)

In an unprecedented move, Ottawa city councilunanimously denied Coun. Rick Chiarelli's request for a leave of absence Wednesday.

Councillors were provided with an updated medical note explaining the reason for the College ward councillor's request,but still decided against granting the leave in a vote of20-0 councillors Diane Deans, Allan Hubley, Jenna Sudds and Chiarelli were away.

Coun. Rick Chiarelli gave his permission to make this doctor's note, dated Oct. 22, 2019, public. In it, Chiarelli's doctor writes the councillor suffered a 'syncopal attack,' or fainting spell, on Oct. 12. Chiarelli's 'stress levels continue to be high with erratic blood sugars and blood pressure,' according to the note. CBC has withheld the name of the doctor because it's not clear whether he was aware the note would be shared publicly. (Joanne Chianello/CBC)

Thirteen women have now toldCBCabout inappropriate behaviour and comments by Chiarelliin his office and during job interviews. Chiarelli has denied all allegations.

Before the vote, city solicitor David White warned councillors not to take theallegations against Chiarelli into account when making their decision about the councillor's leave.

Watch as Ottawa city council denies leave of absence for Chiarelli

5 years ago

1:03

Ottawa city council unanimously denied Coun. Rick Chiarelli's request for a leave of absence on Wednesday. Chiarelli must attend council by the end of November or his seat will be declared vacant.

But that didn't stop Mayor Jim Watson from speaking his mind after the council meeting.

"There's a lot of important issues we're dealing with and Coun. Chiarelli's ward does not have a voice. We're trying our best to do so through two members of council filling in, but as you saw today, there's precious little support for Coun. Chiarelli," Watson said Wednesday.

Mayor Watson said there is 'precious little support' for Chiarelli. (Giacomo Panico/CBC)

"I think as more allegations come forward,it becomes more disgusting and very upsetting as to what was going on in that office for what appears to be many, many months, if not years."

Under the Municipal Act, if Chiarelli does not show up to council by the end of the November, his seat will be declared vacant.

Chiarelli's medical issues don't meet 'threshold' for indefinite leave, councillors say

5 years ago

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Ottawa city councillors explain why they made the decision to deny a medical leave of absence to Coun. Rick Chiarelli on Wednesday.

Skeptical of medical note

The city clerk told CBChe can't remember a previous case where council denied a request for leave.

Council members appeared unconvinced Chiarelli should be granted indefinite leave based onthe details of the medical note, which statesChiarelli went to the emergency room after fainting on Oct. 12, and that hisstress levelremains high.

Chiarelli has provided the clerk with three notes:one in September, which was updated earlier this month, then again this week.

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