Ombudsman poised for Dec. 11 meeting

The province's ombudsman, André Marin, is set to meet with city councillors on Dec. 11, he said in a recent tweet.

Marin said he will make a presentation at 6 p.m. for one hour, followed by questions from council.

Greater Sudbury Mayor Marianne Matichuk accepted an offer from Marin to address city council following the release of his report that characterized Sudbury councillors as the least co-operative he has ever dealt with.

Since the report was released, some councillors have been critical of Marin’s flamboyant style. Marin’s report cleared councillors of accusations they improperly held four closed-door meetings in late 2011; however, 10 of 12 city councillors refused to co-operate, risking fines and jail time.

One unnamed councillor cited Marin’s use of Twitter as a justification for not co-operating. Another termed his approach as “evangelical.”

Matichuk, Ward 3 Coun. Claude Berthiuame and Ward 9 Coun. Doug Craig were the only local politicians who co-operated with the ombudsman investigation. The rest refused because Marin wouldn’t allow the city’s legal team to be present.

With files from Darren MacDonald