Despite a public apology and sensitivity training, an Integrity Commissioner believes Quinte West councillor Fred Kuypers deserves to be sanctioned following “discriminatory” and “unacceptable” comments at a virtual council meeting in June.
On Monday, Quinte West council will see Integrity Commissioner Tony Fleming’s report on a complaint against Kuypers because of his comments directed to the Black owners of the BBQ food truck JERKebago Joshua Blake and Saiqa Sheikh.
Council was discussing neighbours’ complaints about smoke and garbage from the food truck operation in Carrying Place and Kuypers said, among other things, “We don’t hate you people but you don’t follow the rules.”
Kuypers, through the City of Quinte West, quickly issued a public apology for “unacceptable and hurtful comments”.
Integrity Commissioner Fleming reports that in his interview with Kuypers the councillor defended his remarks and seemed to not really understand that his comments were offensive.
The Integrity Commissioner makes it clear in his report that Kuypers’ comment was discriminatory and breached Council’s Code of Conduct.
Fleming is recommending that Council direct Kuypers to receive more sensitivity training and lose one week’s pay.
Council will deal with the report and recommendations Monday in a virtual meeting beginning at 6:30.
