Mounting criticism may be only tool available to get Chu to resign: professor
Posted Oct 20, 2021 6:35 pm.
Last Updated Oct 20, 2021 8:27 pm.
As calls mount for Sean Chu to resign, there has been silence from Chu’s corner.
Even calls from mayor-elect Jyoti Gondek have gone unanswered.
And according to one political scientist, should Chu decide to stay at city hall, there’s little that anyone can do.
“Under current law, there is no legal basis for removing Sean Chu from office,” said Lori Williams, a political scientist from Mount Royal University.
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Williams said it would be a strong argument for recall — but that legislation hasn’t yet been proclaimed by the province.
In the meantime – Chu faces increased political pressure to resign.
“If these claims are true and the revelations correct, then the honourable thing would be to step aside,” said Premier Jason Kenney on Tuesday.
Michelle Rempel Garner, the Conservative MP for Calgary Nose Hill has added her voice to the conversation.
I issued the following statement last Friday as soon as I became aware of serious revelations regarding Sean Chu. I have supported Mr. Chu in the past but firmly withdraw all such support in light of these reports. Believing women means walking the talk. https://t.co/wv5U7xVe8i
— Michelle Rempel Garner (@MichelleRempel) October 19, 2021
The province could do an informal review — but it wouldn’t have the power to enact change, and Williams says they would have to be careful.
“Clearly, there are a number of people in the UCP government that have either donated to or been closely associated with Sean Chu, and because of that, there would have to be an independent investigation or review,” said Williams.
Williams adds Chu’s constituents would lose in all of this.
“Perhaps the biggest problem here is he won’t be able to represent the people of ward four effectively because he won’t be able to participate in a number of committees and activities.”
She says, for example, he would have to recuse himself from any matters involving police.
“If he doesn’t resign, he will be increasingly isolated, not just on council but in terms of his ability to work with the rest of council and city administration and get the work done.”