Saint John reinstates city councilors Killen and Harris after a code of conduct investigation

Saint John, N.B., city councilors Joanna Killen and Brent Harris have been reinstated following a code of conduct complaint investigation, according to a news release from the City of Saint John.

Saint John, N.B., city councilors Joanna Killen and Brent Harris have been reinstated following a code of conduct complaint investigation, according to a news release from the City of Saint John.

The council voted to strip the two councilors of their committee duties and “appointments by council to different bodies” on Oct. 3. after the two councilors voiced their support for striking city workers.

Their duties would be reinstated following the results of an investigation under the code of conduct bylaw, the council said.

The city says that Killen and Harris breached the code of conduct. However, the city does not describe what aspects of the code Killen and Harris breached.

“Councilor Harris and councilor Killen have apologized for any error on their part and council accepts that apology,’ the release says.

Going forward, Saint John city council will speak with councilors before taking “interim measures,” the release says.

Killen and Harris said they felt some pressure inside city hall after showing their support for striking CUPE Local 486 members. They said the suspension was a form of “punishment.”