Niagara’s controversial CAO is set to jet off to Shanghai in the name of trade

The Niagara region’s controversial chief administrative officer has been tapped to lead a trade mission to China next month.

In response, newly elected regional councillors question if Carmen D’Angelo is the best person to represent the interests of Niagara abroad.

Larry Vaughan, owner of Canada BW logistics, invited region officials to join 15 private sector companies at the China international import expo from November 6-10.

“We were very eager to get the region involved so they could bring somebody suitable to fit into that mix.”

The region says D’Angelo is the man for the job, despite him being the subject of an ongoing ombudsman investigation.

D’Angelo will be accompanied by the foreign trade zone coordinator and the region is covering the costs for both of them, which they’ve budgeted at $4200 per person.

D’Angelo’s hiring came under fire after reports that he’d been given access to confidential interview questions prior to getting the job.

We reached out to D’Angelo but was told he wasn’t available.

“Almost everyone has said he should be placed on leave, his hiring is investigated, he should be placed on leave until the investigation is complete.” Laura Ip, councillor.

Councillors are hopeful that following Monday’s election, a reconstructed council will lead to a more transparent era for the region.