Embattled city councillor Rick Chiarelli not seeking re-election
Embattled long-time Ottawa city councillor Rick Chiarelli will not be seeking re-election this fall.
Chiarelli did not register to run for a new term in College Ward ahead of the 2 p.m. deadline Friday for candidates to register for the October municipal election.
The former Nepean councillor has been a city of Ottawa councillor since amalgamation, serving Baseline Ward and College Ward. Chiarelli was first elected to office in the 1980s, the youngest person ever elected to council in Nepean.
During this term of office, Chiarelli was found to have violated the city's Code of Conduct for elected officials following two investigations by the integrity commissioner into alleged inappropriate conduct towards staff members and women applying for jobs in his office.
In December 2019, Chiarelli underwent open-heart surgery at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. He was readmitted to hospital due to a serious bacterial infection in his chest in January 2020.
Mayor Jim Watson reacted to news of Chiarelli not seeking re-election Friday afternoon, saying "good riddance."
"He brought shame to City Hall and to the city of Ottawa, became a national story, his vulgar and disgraceful behaviour towards women, the Integrity Commissioner's report speaks for itself," Watson told Newstalk 580 CFRA's Ottawa Now with Kristy Cameron.
"It's laughable that he thinks he could win the election. Who in their right mind would support someone who's behaved so poorly over the course of the last several years."
Chiarelli will be eligible for a "transition allowance" of one month's pay for each consecutive year of service, up to a maximum of six months. The severance package is offered to all elected officials who decide not to seek re-election or are defeated on Election Day.
Chiarelli will receive $55,555 transition pay for his service.
Mayor candidate Mark Sutcliffe called on Chiarelli to either turn down the severance package or donate it to a charity.
"@Rick_Chiarelli - given you violated the city's code of conduct, you should turn down the $55,000 severance package you're eligible to receive. Better yet, donate it to a charity that supports vulnerable women," Sutcliffe said.
There are five candidates on the ballot in College Ward: Laine Johnson, Granda Kopytko, Wendy Davidson, Pat McGarry and Delvas Vilteau.
Johnson released a statement after the 2 p.m. deadline for candidates to register, saying Chiarelli's decision not to seek re-election means College Ward can "move forward with a new positive, hopeful direction."
"I am pleased that this election will no longer be a referendum on the scandals of the current City Councillor, but that we can focus on the many issues that have been coming up at the doors," Johnson said.
Chiarelli's decision not to seek office means there will be at least 12 new elected members on Ottawa City Council for the four year term. Nine councillors are not seeking re-election, Somerset Coun. Catherine McKenney is running for mayor, and a 24th ward is being added to council for the new term.
Watson is also not seeking re-election, following three terms as mayor of Canada's capital.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Doctors combine a pig kidney transplant and a heart device in a bid to extend woman's life
Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
An Ontario senior thought he called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.