Alberta cannot ‘simply fire’ Chu, says municipal affairs minister

As many people call on the Alberta government to intervene in the Sean Chu case, the municipal affairs minister says the province can’t arbitrarily fire the re-elected councillor.

Minister Ric McIver said he’s asked outside legal counsel and non-partisan government officials to review the Municipal Government Act.

“The allegations against Sean Chu are very serious. Any time an impropriety is alleged against a minor, the situation immediately becomes even more severe,” McIver said.

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“Because of the extremely unique circumstances involving Calgary City Council and Councillor-elect Chu, and the lack of clarity for recourse in the Municipal Government Act, I have asked for outside, independent legal counsel to review the legislation and provide expert advice on what action – if any – the Minister of Municipal Affairs may legally take.”

As legal counsel looks into what actions can be taken against Chu, McIver explains the legislation wasn’t designed to deal with the conduct of an elected official before they enter office.

“Contrary to what some have suggested, the Minister of Municipal Affairs cannot simply arbitrarily ‘fire’ an elected municipal official. But following recent revelations regarding Councillor-elect Chu, I asked non-partisan department officials to review the Municipal Government Act to verify what legal recourse – if any – exists for the Minister of Municipal Affairs,” he added.

Meantime, Mayor-elect Jyoti Gondek said on Thursday that she won’t participate in Chu’s swearing-in ceremony.

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“Chu should absolutely resign,” Gondek said.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has also called for Chu to resign, as have several other politicians and Calgarians. Chu has resisted those calls.

“I was duly elected by the people of ward four, and I intend to stay at this position, to serve the people of Ward 4,” he said Thursday.

Chu has come under fire after details surfaced of his inappropriate conduct with a minor while he was still a police officer.

The Ward 4 councillor-elect has confirmed that he was disciplined in that case. He was also disciplined in another incident while he was on the force, but no charges were laid in either case.