More information is now in the public domain regarding the online conduct of At Large Councillor Aldo Ruberto.
Principles Integrity released the report Wednesday (starting on Page 76) which suggests that Ruberto breached the Code of Conduct for comments made on a social media platform.
The complaint was lodged on October 27, 2021 following an online post from the elected official about an incident when a truck drove through an area inhabited as a homeless encampment, running over a tent.
Ruberto’s initial explanation was that the wind caused the incident, which was removed and replaced with a heart attack or a stroke that led to the scenario.
When criticized for his initial post, Ruberto responded with the following:
“I believe in humans. I think we are all inherently good. I am disappointed by people and their actions. And in this case I was hoping I was right about what could have happened. Remember at the time of my post, it was early in the morning. No one knew if the guy had a stroke, heart attack, passed out etc.”
One member of the public challenged Ruberto for publicly spreading uninformed and unsubstantiated speculation on his social media, as an elected official.
Ruberto responded by criticizing the individual who challenged him.
The complaint alleges that the conduct of Ruberto constituted a breach due to the fact that the matter was under criminal investigation by the Thunder Bay Police.
The Integrity Commissioner is recommending to council that Ruberto receive a five day suspension in pay and that the municipality consider developing general social media guidance and cautions for Members of Council, including with regard to their responsibilities regarding blocking on open social media sites.
Elected officials are required to act within 90 days of receiving the report but do not have to vote for the resolution, but can only refer the matter back to the Integrity Commissioner.
The item is on the council agenda for February 7th.
