Timeline of Chestermere’s Governance Inspection

Introduction

Here’s a comprehensive timeline of events related to the ongoing municipal affairs inspection into Chestermere’s governance.

January 2022

• Concerns Raised: Former and current city staff, city councillors, and citizens express concerns about Chestermere’s governance to municipal affairs.
• Communication with Minister: Former Minister of Municipal Affairs, Ric McIver, receives letters, calls, and emails expressing concerns until March 2022.

February 2022

• Unionization Process Begins: Chestermere city employees start applying to join the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) to protect their rights.
• Union Application: CUPE’s Lou Arab confirms the unionization application submitted on Jan 26, 2022.
• Employee Concerns: Employees seek better treatment and respect for their services through unionization.
• Union’s Role: The union aims to provide protection for city staff, outline employment contract terms, and negotiate pay and benefits.
• Membership Drive: CUPE initiates a membership drive among Chestermere city employees.
• Petition Submitted: Enough signatures collected to apply to the Alberta Labour Relations Board for certification; hearing scheduled for May 25-27, 2022.

March 2022

• Preliminary Review: Municipal affairs launches a preliminary review into Chestermere’s governance based on concerns received.
• Objective: The review aims to understand issues and assess the need for further intervention or action.

May 2022

• Formal Inspection Ordered: Municipal affairs orders a formal inspection of Chestermere’s municipal governance after completing the preliminary review.
• Independent Contractor: An independent contractor is appointed to inspect and identify legislative contraventions or improper conduct.
• Issues Addressed: The inspection report covers various governance issues, including code of conduct infractions and improper council meeting procedures.
• Duration: The inspection process typically takes six to 18 months to complete.
• City Cooperation: The City of Chestermere welcomes the inspection and agrees to start in late May.
• Expectations: Council hopes for a quick resolution and plans to share inspection findings with residents.
• Union Application Disputed: City representatives claim the first union application predates January 2022 but cite confidentiality concerns.

July 2022

• Unionization Approved: City employees vote to join CUPE, with a majority in favor of certification.
• Negotiations Begin: CUPE starts negotiating a union agreement with Chestermere city employees.
• Bargaining Process: The process can be lengthy, with proposals from both sides and a final vote by union members.
• Codified Conditions: Employees gain codified employment conditions and can file grievances with union representation if needed.

September 2022

• Review of Inspection Report: Municipal affairs reviews the inspection report submitted.
• Council Input: Chestermere council receives an embargoed copy of the report for review and comment.
• Minister’s Decision: Based on the report and council’s response, the Minister of Municipal Affairs determines the next steps.

November 2022

• City Council’s Review: City council reviews the embargoed inspection report and has until Dec. 9 to provide feedback to the Minister.
• Public Meeting Planned: After considering council input, municipal affairs plans to share the report with Chestermere residents at a public meeting.
• Potential Actions: The report may lead to corrective actions under specific conditions of the Municipal Government Act (MGA).

December 2022

• Report Rejected: The City of Chestermere rejects the inspection report, citing a “lack of evidence and a flawed process.”
• Council Resolution: Mayor Jeff Colvin and select council members pass a resolution opposing the draft report.
• Concerns Raised: Some councilors voice concerns about bias and breaches of natural justice and procedural fairness.
• Municipal Affairs Response: Municipal affairs acknowledges the rejection and continues to uphold the process under the MGA.
• Public Update Expected: Chestermere residents can anticipate an update from municipal affairs in early 2023.

January 2023

• Report Rejected Again: City council disallows the previous rejection of the draft inspection report due to a time stamp issue.
• Official Response: City Director of Corporate Services presents the city’s official response, highlighting breaches of the Public Inquiries Act and lack of evidence.
• Meeting Requested: Mayor Colvin seeks a meeting with the Minister of Municipal Affairs.
• City Director Charged: City director of corporate services, Kim Wallace, is arrested and charged with assault, pending a court appearance.

February 2023

• KPMG’s Request: KPMG issues a letter requesting the removal of misleading information from the city website.
• Audit Status: The city’s website falsely indicates KPMG completed the 2021 audit, which KPMG refutes.
• City’s Response: The City of Chestermere remains unavailable for comment.
• KPMG’s Requested Confirmation: KPMG asks for written confirmation from city council regarding the audit status.

March 2023

• Directives Issued: Chestermere City Council and administration receive 12 directives to improve governance.
• Action Plan: The directives include implementing recommendations, reviewing bylaws, and appointing an independent third party for complaints.
• Council Responsibilities: Councilors are directed to cease performing CAO duties and report progress bi-monthly.
• Minister’s Hope: Minister Schulz hopes for a collaborative council with transparent processes that align with legislative requirements.

August 2, 2023

• Minister’s Meeting: Ric McIver meets with Chestermere City Council to voice concerns, setting a deadline for a written response by September 29.

October 18, 2023

• Insufficient Response: The city’s response is deemed insufficient, leading the Minister of Municipal Affairs to issue a notice of intention to dismiss all council members and three CAOs.

December 4, 2023

• Dismissals: Mayor Jeff Colvin, councilors Mel Float, Blaine Funk, and Stephen Hanley, along with three CAOs, are officially dismissed.
• Misuse of Funds: Court documents reveal Mayor Colvin’s spending of tax-payer dollars on food and alcohol.
• Interim CAO: Pat Vincent assumes the role of interim CAO until the upcoming by-election in April 2024.

This timeline provides a comprehensive overview of events related to Chestermere’s governance inspection, starting with concerns raised in January 2022 and concluding with the dismissals and interim appointments in December 2023.