Activist Nicole Peltier, CEO of the Federal Green Party in Nipissing-Timiskaming, is demanding answers from members of city council regarding that pro Energy East pipeline video that features North Bay Fire Chief Grant Love.
BayToday broke the story last month (See: Former fire chief throws support behind Energy East Pipeline ) which shows Love in full uniform, in front of the main fire hall with fire trucks as props touting the working relationship with TransCanada Pipeline. Another, unidentified city firefighter also appears in the video.
"I'd say TransCanada has shown us that they are definitely committed to safety. They’ve gone above and beyond in trying to show us exactly what it is that they want to do and how they would do it, and if we have any questions they’re always open and honest with their answers,” says Love who presently remains on the city payroll.
Peltier says she'll be addressing city council to get answers.
"I want to know who in City Hall knew about this. Is there a contract? There are so many unanswered questions. Was Grant Love paid to do this? Mike Anthony says he asked these same questions a couple of weeks ago when he found out about the video and he didn't press hard enough. I find that appalling and I'm very disappointed in my councillors because they're the ones that I trust to operate the city, and they can't even get a simple answer."
The video appears on TransCanada's website and YouTube and was published on Sept. 29.
It appears to break the conflict of interest guidelines set out by the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs which says, "Given the position of public trust and confidence, maintain the highest standard of personal and professional conduct, integrity and objectivity, and refrain from any conduct or omission which could bring discredit upon the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs or any of its members. Conduct all duties with impartiality, and disclose any situation that represents a conflict or an apparent conflict of interest."
Peltier wants council to take legal action if her questions aren't answered.
"I've found out that any elector can apply to a judge to see if Love is in contravention to the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. Why have our councillors not taken action? They've used the fire service image in their video and there was no standing contract with council so I think there are legal grounds for action on that.
"This is quite serious. Our image has been pilfered by a corporation. I'm shocked and very disappointed."
In a Facebook post this weekend, councillor Mark King, who's department the fire service falls under, stated he finds the video "very disappointing whether you support one side or the other the politics of this move really calls attention to city employees and their place in the system. Politically the city has taken right steps to protect our water. The timing is interesting at best and council couldn't at this point change results. I will be speaking with staff next week to determine what action could be taken."
Councillor Chris Mayne says he has "inquired with staff as to protocols and appropriateness of a personal endorsement from a senior North Bay official at a time when we are in the middle of an intervenor claim with Energy East arguing that they are not operating as safely as they could be in regard the proposed oil pipeline repurposing - sub-standard building materials have been noted along the North Bay section of the pipeline."
Peltier, who has run as a Green Party candidate both federally and provincially, says, "At the very least they need to give the public answers and I don't want to hear 'this is a personnel matter' from them over this."
Councillor Mike Anthony says expects answers when he talks to the CEO before council tonight.
"Why? Did anybody know? I, as a councillor didn't know until I saw it online when you (BayToday) guys broke it on the 15th. | probably wouldn't have been in favour of it as my view has been consistent that it's a multi-billion dollar project. If they have to pay millions to go around our water I'm ok with that."
TransCanada officials had not responded to efforts by BayToday to get a comment by publication time.
