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“If I were to get into the conversation as to what it was in relation to, it would require me to throw one of my colleagues under the bus,” Chabot said. “What Ward was signalling was that I was getting screwed and possibly stabbed in the back.”

Others, however, don’t think the matter is a “joke” and suggest the incident is just one example of ongoing inappropriate behaviour on city council.

“Finally, you have a tangible example of some of what goes on subliminally . . . but it’s really hard to prove,” said Coun. Diane Colley-Urquhart. “Now you have something tangible to look at . . . it’s kind of the accepted behaviour in practice there.”

In 2014, an investigation, triggered by a whistleblower’s complaint, uncovered “systemic problems” in the workplace in the councillors’ office, where the 14 members and aides work.

Photo by Colleen De Neve / Postmedia

The exact nature of the issues was never publicly released, but council agreed, unanimously, to undergo respectful workplace training and subsequently hired an ethics advisor and integrity commissioner to investigate complaints.

“We’ve had closed-door meetings talking about . . . why this type of behaviour is unacceptable,” said Pincott. “Obviously it hasn’t gotten through, so (Sutherland) needs individual training on what it actually means to be an elected representative in the 21st century.”

Council’s ethical conduct policy requires elected officials to “be polite, courteous and respectful of others at all times.” Council members who violate the policy can be removed from committees, dismissed from a position of deputy mayor, or be forced to undergo training on ethical and respectful conduct.

Farrell was reluctant to discuss the matter but said she plans to swap seats with Coun. Gian Carlo-Carra in council chambers before Monday’s meeting.

“This behaviour is commonplace,” she said. “It was caught on camera, and it’s disappointing . . . that this kind of behaviour has been normalized. But it won’t distract me. I’ve got work to do and it won’t distract me from doing my job.”

thowell@postmedia.com