Earlier today, the Town’s Integrity Commissioner presented the findings of his report titled, Recommendations Regarding Complaints Against Councillors Leahy and Yamada.  This thorough and independent report concludes that both Councillor Leahy and Councillor Yamada violated the Council Code of Conduct in October 2024. Council voted six to one on the recommendations of the report and as a result both councillors will receive a one-week suspension of pay.

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Now that the Integrity Commissioners report has been presented, the second phase of this procedural process can begin. This week, the Town retained a third-party legal investigator to look into the allegations of racism made by Councillor Leahy with regards to Councillor Yamada. The investigation will include interviews with Council Members and Senior Staff. The findings of this investigation with respect to Council will be in a staff report at its conclusion. My hope is that we can then move forward together and put this behind us.

- Matt Gaskell, Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Whitby

This report underscores the importance of upholding our Code of Conduct. We take these violations seriously and are committed to maintaining the highest standards of behavior among our elected officials. I fully support the Town’s decision to pursue an independent investigation into allegations of racism made against myself, members of Council, and Town staff. While I firmly maintain that these allegations are entirely baseless and without merit, I believe in full transparency and welcome the clarity that this investigation will provide.

Elizabeth Roy, Mayor, Town of Whitby

Learn More

Read Mayor Roy’s statement from March 13, 2025, related to the Integrity Commissioner’s report titled “Recommendations Regarding Complaints Against Councillors Leahy and Yamada" received by Town Council today.

For media inquiries, contact:

Corporate Communications
Erin Mikaluk, Manager, Communications and Creative Services, Town of Whitby
Phone: 289.314.6913; Email: mikaluke@whitby.ca

Office of the Mayor
Jillian Follert, Public Affairs Coordinator, Office of the Mayor
Phone: 289.387.9101; Email: follertj@whitby.ca