Harassment inquiry stays secret
Katie DeRosa, Times Colonist
Published: Thursday, November 05, 2009
An investigation into harassment allegations against the Esquimalt Fire Department has wrapped up, but the township is not releasing the outcome.
Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins said the probe -- conducted by an independent investigator, Victoria lawyer Peter Lawless -- resulted in several recommendations that the department is acting on, but she would not reveal details.
"The results of that are confidential," Desjardins said, citing the town's policy that harassment complaints be dealt with quickly and confidentially.
The harassment allegations against the fire department surfaced in early September, but few details were available about who filed the complaint and why.
Desjardins said Lawless's investigation, which involved interviewing staff and the parties involved, cost $22,000. Desjardins hopes the lawyer's recommendations will prevent future harassment complaints. "I'm satisfied that staff are acting appropriately in terms of dealing with these issues," she said. "We will do anything we can to not have more harassment complaints."
Desjardins could not say whether the allegations were substantiated and said recommendations can deal with a specific complaint or general operations.
Esquimalt fire Chief Paul Nelson said he can't comment on the investigation because he is not privy to the report. Only the person who filed the complaint, the person or persons they complained about and the town's chief administrative officer, Laurie Hurst, have seen a copy of the report.
The allegations came in the midst of an audit by former judge Ted Hughes, who was asked to look into the culture at the department and issues surrounding leadership and communication.
That audit is expected to be complete by the end of this month.
kderosa@tc.canwest.com
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