Ontario’s Ombudsman asking the Niagara Region to apologize to reporter and citizen blogger

Ontario’s Ombudsman is calling on the Niagara Region to apologize publicly to a reporter and a citizen blogger for seizing their property and ejecting them from a council meeting.

When the incident first occurred it was denounced by journalism organizations as an assault on press freedoms.

“You know you would expect more from our leaders.”

The actions of Niagara Region Officials are being called “unjust, wrong and contrary to law” by Ontario’s Ombudsman.

“Part of my concern especially that night and the week that followed, is that it would be swept under the carpet. But that didn’t happen.” says St. Catharines Standard reporter Bill Sawchuk.

Paul Dube began an investigation shortly after a Decemeber incident that saw, Sawchuck and a citizen blogger Preston Haskell, ejected from regional headquarters.

“We’re promoting transparency, accountability and fairness and that’s how we enhance good governance.”

The confusion began when Haskell left his audio recorder running while he went to the bathroom. In his absence Council went into a closed session.

“Jumped up ran to the washroom, when I came back, couldn’t get back in.”

When a councillor spotted the recorder, “chaos followed.” ultimately ending with equipment being seized and police being called.

“They said too bad, the recorder has been confiscated and you won’t be getting it back.”

Today Dube released a 60 page report on the incident.

Noted in the Ombudsman’s report was that the region had no policies or procedures in place to deal with any kind of improper conduct during council meetings.

He also made 14 recommendations for better practices, but says he’s yet to hear back from the region.

“I don’t know where they stand, i don’t know if they accept the recommendations or not.”

While Regional Chair Alan Caslin says they’ve already adopting some recommendations. He also offered an apology.

“I’m happy to apologize for whatever inconvenience this may have caused them.”