City HR director out

The city of North Bay's human resources director has lost his job.

City CEO David Linkie confirmed today that John Rushton is no longer in his position, effective Tuesday.

Linkie declined to provide further details, saying only "We don’t talk about HR decisions in the media."

Mayor Vic Fedeli said Rushton's job itself hadn't been eliminated and that the city would be advertising for a replacement.

Rushton could not be reached for comment.

BayToday.ca has learned that an e-mail was sent out to city employees this morning informing them about Rushton.

The e-mail said that city solicitor Michael Burke would be assuming Rushton's duties in the interim.

Deputy mayor Peter Chirico said he hadn't heard the news about Rushton.

"I wouldn't comment on it even if I had," Chirico said.

Rushton was hired to take over the HR position from Jerry Knox, who became director of community services when Linkie was promoted to the top city job soon after the 2003 municipal elections.