Integrity Commissioner Clears Councillors Pharand and Pellerin in Separate Investigations
Social media comments over Leclair road work add to ongoing IC costs.
Two recent investigations by West Nipissing’s Integrity Commissioner, Paul Cassan, have concluded with no findings of wrongdoing against Councillors Georges Pharand and Fern Pellerin. The reports, dated March 17, 2025, address complaints filed by local business owner Steve Morrison in September 2024, alleging breaches of the municipality’s Code of Conduct. While both councillors were cleared, the investigations highlight the ongoing costs of such probes to taxpayers.
Councillor Pharand’s Case
Morrison’s first complaint concerned a Facebook comment made by Pharand in August 2024, when many local residents were upset about the condition of Leclair Road in Verner following municipal roadwork. According to the Integrity Commissioner, the work had been carried out by Morrison’s company.
Pharand stated that he frequently used the road and agreed with residents that its condition was unacceptable. Pharand did not mention any individuals, businesses or indicated who was to blame, but he told residents he was following up with municipal staff.
Morrison claimed this comment was derogatory toward his company’s work and violated the municipal Code of Conduct. Cassan’s report, however, does not specify which part of the Code the comment allegedly violated.
Pharand defended his actions, stating that he was simply bringing a safety concern to the attention of municipal staff, referencing the absence of bump signs and deep cuts in the roadway. Such actions appear to align with a councillor’s responsibilities.
The six-month investigation involved multiple interviews, but ultimately, the Integrity Commissioner found no breach and closed the case.
Councillor Pellerin’s Case
The second investigation, also initiated by Morrison, related to the same Leclair Road project. Morrison alleged that Pellerin told two residents to “turn to social media” to voice their concerns about the project.
Pellerin denied these allegations, stating that he has only ever advised residents to file complaints through official municipal channels.
Even if Pellerin had encouraged residents to raise concerns online, it is unclear how this would constitute a Code of Conduct violation. Councillors routinely encourage their constituents to advocate for change through formal processes and social media, provided it is done respectfully.
The Integrity Commissioner’s five-page report concluded that no breach had occurred.
The Cost to Taxpayers
While both investigations concluded without penalties, they add to West Nipissing’s history of Integrity Commissioner expenses, raising concerns about the financial burden on taxpayers. In 2020-2021, the municipality spent $24,030 on such services, nearly double the $12,306 from the prior year, according to a 2021 report by then-Commissioner Patrice Cormier. Costs can escalate quickly—Elliot Lake, for instance, reportedly spent $858,000 over four years on similar probes. In 2023, a prolonged Integrity Commissioner investigation in North Bay over a single comment cost taxpayers $36,000.
Though exact costs for the Pharand and Pellerin investigations are not detailed in Cassan’s reports, the process involves legal fees, interviews, and report preparation, all billed hourly by professionals like Cassan, a senior partner at Wishart Law Firm LLP. Critics argue that frequent complaints, even when dismissed, strain municipal budgets and divert funds from infrastructure and essential services.
Council will receive and discuss the investigator’s reports at tomorrow night’s meeting.
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If they were cleared should the cost be absorbed by the plaintiff?
Glad it wasn't our money. We spend our community contributions on our passion no longer theirs. They go broke.