206 Shashaak Street | Lax Kw’alaams, BC V0V 1H0 t 250· 625· 3293 | tf 877· 725· 3293 www.laxkwalaams.ca
August 13th, 2014 – NOTICE TO LAX KW’ALAAMS MEMBERS FINAL RULING RE. MR. GARRY REECE As of August 6th, 2014, Mr. Garry Reece has been removed from his position as Mayor of Lax Kw’alaams. The removal is ultimately the result of a formal complaint submitted to the Lax Kw’alaams Band on July 9th, 2014 regarding the professional conduct of Mayor Garry Reece. It was alleged that Mr. Reece had a sexual relationship with a senior staff member. It was alleged that this relationship has been happening for years, and that Mr. Reece misused his position as Mayor. Significant documentary evidence was submitted with the complaint, and Mr. Reece admitted to the sexual relationship in his meeting with Council and statement to the Complaints and Appeals Board. The complaint, along with written evidence, was reviewed by the Band Council at a duly convened meeting on July 29th. All members of Council were given advance notice of the meeting. Council heard from both the person who filed the original complaint as well as Mr. Reece. Mr. Reece attended the meeting in person and participated fully. After viewing the evidence and hearing statements from both sides, Council deliberated and ultimately voted to petition for Mr. Reece’s removal from Council. At a duly convened meeting of Council on July 23, 2014, Council also followed Band regulations and appointed a new independent Complaints and Appeal Board because the old five-member Board was inactive and non-responsive. The petition to remove Mr. Reece was then sent by Council to the Board. The Board held a hearing August 1st to review Council’s petition along with written evidence and in-person statements from individuals involved. On July 31st Mr. Garry Reece petitioned in Federal Court regarding this matter. On August 1st the complaint was dismissed and it was noted by the Judge that Band process needed to be completed. A link to the ruling is attached. On Wednesday, August 6th, the Board met and upheld the petition of Council to have Garry Reece removed. The Board confirmed that Mr. Reece failed to uphold the Band Code of Conduct, that he failed to remove himself from a conflict of interest situation; and that he acted dishonestly in his role as Mayor. A copy of the Board’s decision is attached to this notice.
The Band Council would like to be clear that their petition to remove the Mayor was not taken hastily or lightly. Band Regulations were followed and reasonable time and opportunity was given to every councillor to participate. The decision is ultimately about the Mayor’s admitted unprofessional, inappropriate, and damaging conduct with a staff member and the duty of Council to uphold the integrity of our Band. These events have caused significant stress to the families involved and Council has endeavoured to protect the privacy of those involved out of respect for the families. The Band Council is committed to keeping all members informed and is preparing to set dates for a meeting with members in Lax Kw’alaams as soon as possible. Questions regarding this notice should be directed to Council at council@laxkwalaams.ca. More information on Council, including contact information, can be found here: http://laxkwalaams.ca/elected-council/ For more information regarding the Lax Kw’alaams Band Election Regulations click here: http://laxkwalaams.ca/policies-regulations/lax-kwalaams-election-regulations-2011/ The August 1st 2014 Federal Court decision can be found here: http://laxkwalaams.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/LKB_court_14-T-37.pdf The August 6th decision of the Band Complaints and Appeals Board can be found here: http://laxkwalaams.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Ruling-Notice-to-Council-August-7-2014.pdf
Page 2