The Chief Executive Officer of the College Employer Council has weighed in on the Canadore College scandal, calling OPSEU President Smokey Thomas' comments "inflammatory."
Graham Lloyd, in a release to local media, is upset with a demand from Thomas that a recent investigator's report into sexual misconduct and bullying at Canadore be released to the union.
"In the circumstances, it is extremely unfortunate that OPSEU would use this situation to make inflammatory statements about trying to sweep the final report under a carpet," Lloyd writes. "Although OPSEU knows or ought to know that the report is confidential, may contain sensitive information, and that its members were assured anonymity, in his February 12, 2020 release, Mr. Thomas states that the workers and their Union should see the investigator’s complete report and that OPSEU “will not stop demanding it until [it] gets it”'
See: Union fears Canadore will 'sweep it under the rug'
And: Union demands complete copy of investigator's report on Canadore's 'poisonous' workplace culture
Lloyd also says, "When a human rights complaint or allegation of harassment is filed, it is incumbent upon an employer to undertake a proper investigation. In fact, under Ontario legislation employers are required to conduct investigations not only into complaints but also 'incidents' of workplace harassment. As such, employers have a duty to investigate, even if there is no formal complaint from any worker."
Lloyd fails to explain why a number of what Canadore President George Burton has called "historical" complaints were never investigated as is called for by legislation.
BayToday asked Lloyd by email for a telephone interview to clarify his statements but was refused. Instead, we were told to "use the letter for quotes."
Lloyd also writes, "In short, college employers across Ontario take these matters extremely seriously and will continue to protect all employees," but does not raise the issue of the principal focus of the complaint's to the investigator still walking the halls of Canadore College even during the investigation.
"It is simply not appropriate to release the report as demanded by OPSEU as it would violate the promised anonymity, breach the integrity and privacy assured in the process, compromise any future need for assured anonymity, and be a violation of due process. It would not be in the best interest of the employees and create a safe environment for expressing concerns."
However, BayToday has learned that not all complainants requested anonymity.
"There is a tremendous amount of pride in the college system for the important work our professors, teachers, and staff undertake in delivering some of the best programs in higher education," Lloyd continues. "We are very proud of the important work and contribution they each provide to the learning environment. However, we cannot accept any assertion that due process has not been followed and every effort has been made to ensure compliance with all legal obligations."
A call to Smokey Thomas by BayToday in connection with Lloyd's complaints was not returned.
