Greater Sudbury says councillor's lawsuit 'an abuse of process,' should be thrown out
CTV
Lawyers for Greater Sudbury pulled no punches in responding to a lawsuit from beleaguered city councillor Bill Leduc, who is facing charges under Ontario's Municipal Elections Act.
Lawyers for Greater Sudbury pulled no punches in responding to a lawsuit from beleaguered city councillor Bill Leduc, who is facing charges under Ontario's Municipal Elections Act.
The city "denies each and every allegation" made in Leduc's lawsuit, the city said in its statement of defence. It is calling for the lawsuit to be dismissed and that Leduc pay any costs the city incurs defending the suit.
In his lawsuit, Leduc, councillor for Ward 11, claimed that the Election Audit Committee was biased in recommending that charges be laid against him for apparently exceeding the spending limit during the 2022 campaign.
The major issue was a Grandparents Day event in September 2022 that Leduc is accused of using as a campaign event but didn't claim the spending as part of his election expenses.
Had he done so, he would have exceeded the $14,159.60 spending limit. Exceeding the spending limit could result in Leduc being forced to vacate his council seat.
After hearing a complaint from Ward 11 resident Anastasia Rioux, the committee had KPMG audit Leduc's campaign expenses. That audit concluded Leduc likely broke the Act, prompting the committee to proceed with charges.
He is suing the City of Greater Sudbury and Rioux for a total of $450,000 and is seeking to stop legal action against him, among other remedies.
