Ombudsman could investigate Johnston's complaints after Jan. 1

While not commenting on the specific situation in Sudbury, a spokesperson for the Ontario Ombudsman's office says they will have the power to investigate complaints about city officials and staff after Jan. 1.

Linda Williamson, director of communications for the Ombudsman of Ontario, made it clear in an email to NorthernLife.ca she would not comment on the current situation in Sudbury regarding comments last week by former interim CAO Bob Johnston.

She did say, however, that in the New Year, the sorts of concerns Johnston raised would come under the office's newly expanded powers.

“As of Jan. 1, we will be able to take complaints relating to municipalities,” Williamson wrote. “This could include complaints about conduct of officials and staff.

“However, we are an office of last resort, so if the municipality has an existing process to deal with the issue, we would not be able to get involved until that has been exhausted, and we will refer complainants to the appropriate local mechanism wherever possible. We will assess each complaint individually on its merits.”

Johnston made headlines last week last week when he went public with his concerns over the goings on at Tom Davies Square, including what he described as a “toxic” work atmosphere at city hall, which he said has led to a culture of fear at city hall.

Ward 1 Coun. Michael Vagnini said in an interview Friday that calling in an outside party to examine Johnston's concerns would likely be the best way to get to the bottom of the matter.

Other councillors have said they have not seen the negativity the former CAO was talking about and have had only positive interactions with city staff.

Johnston has returned to his job as CEO of the Sudbury Airport after being removed from his CAO's job in late September.