Ottawa Councillor Faces Pay Suspension Over Social Media Misconduct

The integrity commissioner for the City of Ottawa has recommended a three-day suspension of Councillor Stephanie Plante‘s pay after an investigation concluded she engaged in “harassment, intimidation and bullying” on social media. This determination arose during a debate concerning the proposed use of sprung structures—temporary facilities intended to house asylum seekers—in various locations within the city.

In a report presented for the council meeting on November 12, 2024, Integrity Commissioner Karen Shepherd found that Plante violated Section 7 (Discrimination and Harassment) of Ottawa’s Code of Conduct for Members of Council. The council is set to vote on whether to accept these findings and enforce the proposed suspension.

Plante has publicly rejected the integrity commissioner’s findings, asserting that they represent a violation of her freedom of speech. She contends her comments were part of a legitimate political debate. The controversy surrounding sprung structures has intensified, particularly following the city’s announcement of potential sites in Barrhaven, Alta Vista, and Orléans in July 2024.

Investigation Findings and Social Media Activity

The investigation stemmed from formal complaints received between November 12 and December 5, 2024. Complainants alleged that Plante engaged in online harassment against several individuals involved in the public discourse regarding the sprung structures. Shepherd’s report identified roughly 30 social media posts that were deemed problematic, primarily targeting individuals associated with the Barrhaven Residents Against Sprung Structures.

Among those cited in the report were individuals referred to as “Witness 1,” a member of the opposition group, and “Witness 4,” a local business owner who expressed concerns over the proposed sites. The timeline of the investigation spanned from July 25, 2024, to November 29, 2024, during which four witnesses were interviewed to assess the context of Plante’s social media interactions.

Shepherd noted that the social media posts were consistent in their focus and tone, which contributed to the determination of misconduct. In particular, a post on July 25, 2024, by a local media personality sparked a series of exchanges that escalated in intensity. Plante’s comments included a meme perceived by Witness 4 as offensive, which she claimed was simply meant to highlight a lack of knowledge on the subject.

Impact on Public Discourse and Reactions

Shepherd concluded that Plante’s conduct not only violated the Code of Conduct but also created an environment of intimidation that discouraged public engagement in the debate regarding the sprung structures. “Councillor Plante’s conduct caused the witnesses and other members of the public to be intimidated and hesitant about engaging in the public debate about sprung structures,” Shepherd stated.

Plante defended her social media presence, emphasizing her informal and direct communication style. She expressed discontent with the accusations, claiming that her interactions remained within the community standards of the platforms she used. Plante pointed out that her posts did not include profanity or hate speech and insisted that her engagement was factual and not intended to harm.

Despite her attempts to resolve the issue by offering to meet with complainants to discuss their concerns, all offers were declined. As the council prepares to vote on the integrity commissioner’s recommendations, the debate surrounding the use of sprung structures in Ottawa continues to create divisions among residents and officials alike.

In November 2024, the city announced alternative locations for a newcomer welcoming centre, signifying a shift in its approach to accommodating asylum seekers. This evolving situation remains a focal point for community discussions as the council weighs the implications of the integrity commissioner’s findings against the backdrop of public sentiment.