Bras hang from the trees outside Councilman Rick Chiarelli’s office

This gesture made as part of Sexual Assault Prevention Month is highly symbolic, said Erin Leight, the instigator of the rally and spokesperson for the Ottawa Coalition on Violence Against Women (COCVFF).

Rick Chiarelli used to make outrageous comments about the style of dress of his office workers, including making inappropriate comments about their bras, she recalled.

In July 2020, then-Integrity Commissioner Robert Marleau called Rick Chiarelli’s behavior toward three women applying for positions in his employ as harassmentofoffensive and of disreputableunder City policies.

A second commissioner’s report, made public in November 2020, stated that the adviser had failed to shocking and stunning way to treat two other ex-employees of his office with due respect.

The Superior Court of Ontario suspended the elected official’s salary a year later.

Just recently, the CBC network revealed that Mr. Chiarelli was again under investigation by Karen Shepherd, the current City of Ottawa Integrity Commissioner, over new complaints filed by a sixth woman.

Ms. Leight wants to take advantage of the election campaign to make candidates aware of the importance of holding all citizens accountable for their actions, whether they are elected like Rick Chiareilli or not.

We want all candidates to take this issue to heart and make it a priority, once elected.she wished. Because abusive legislators end up making abusive laws.

When will the law change?

How come a man like Rick Chiareilli is still employed by the City of Ottawa? This is the preliminary question posed by the President of the COCVFFOttawa Coalition on Violence Against WomenBarbara Laskin.

Despite the Integrity Commissioner’s investigation and a Superior Court judge finding the allegations credible, there are no consequences for all of his harassment.she said in an interview with mornings from here. This is not acceptable!

” It is a systemic issue. Rick Chiarelli is far from alone. »

Unfortunately, she notes, Rick Chiarelli is far from the only city councilor to keep his post, despite judgments against him. There have been other representatives in London, Ottawa, Hamilton, Brampton, Barry and Durham, she said. And that is only on the municipal scene.

Ms. Laskin is adamant: Rick Chiarelli would have been fired in any other work setting, but under city rules, it’s nearly impossible to remove an elected official from office.

The regulations are woefully inadequateshe denounces The law needs to be changed to protect the public from predators like that.

A bill to expel an elected official

Back at the park in front of Councilor Chiarelli’s offices, Stephanie Dobbs, microphone in hand, apologizes in advance for the tremolos in her voice.

When I’m excited, my voice shakesshe said, causing laughter among the members of the audience. One of my means of defense is humor.

Stephanie Dobbs is a former employee of Rick Chiarelli. She worked for the counselor for around three years before going on sick leave in August 2018 suffering from suicidal thoughts.

Ms. Dobbs said she was harassed by Mr. Chiarelli. Among other things, he allegedly made sexual and/or derogatory comments about her body, in addition to threatening her with dismissal if she did not comply with his demands.

These comments would have started from his job interview, she said. Mr Chiarelli allegedly showed her photos of her he had captured on social media and told her they looked like they had been taken without her bra.

” I put all my trust in someone who hurt me. »

I am not stupid. I am intelligent, compassionate, resourceful and creativeinsisted Ms. Dobbs, with tears in her eyes. What happened to me could have happened to anyone.

Stephanie Dobbs is pinning her hopes on a non-government bill that would allow elected municipal officials to be expelled after they commit misconduct. Just like Mrs. Laskin, it seems incomprehensible to her, even ridiculousthat an elected official can keep his seat, even after being convicted of sexual misconduct.

There is no legitimate reason why you would not want to support this billshe says. For me, it’s just a small step to take, because there are a lot more cases than you think. We have heard of statistics on cases that have occurred at other levels of government.

The bill did not pass as the Legislative Assembly has been dissolved since Tuesday in anticipation of the June 2 election.

Rick Chiareilli remains silent

Rick Chiareilli has always denied all the charges against him. He did not respond to interview requests from Radio-Canada.

Mr. Chiareilli has not indicated whether he intends to run for his post as Councilor of the College district. However, he has until August 19 to submit his candidacy.

With information from Frédéric Pepin