Statement From the CAO of the Town Of Stouffville Regarding Integrity Commissioner Report

The Town of Stouffville acknowledges the findings of the Integrity Commissioner’s recommendation report regarding workplace sexual harassment involving Ward 4 Councillor Rick Upton.  This type of behaviour is unacceptable and does not reflect the values of our organization, our community, or our workplace.

First and foremost, our thoughts are with the individuals who came forward. We recognize the courage it takes to report misconduct, and we remain committed to ensuring that all employees feel safe, respected, and supported. The Town followed all established policies and procedures throughout the investigation, including engaging an independent third-party investigator.

Creating and maintaining a safe and supportive workplace is, and will always be, a core priority for the Town. We work hard to foster an environment where staff feel comfortable speaking up, confident that their voices matter, and assured that their well-being is protected. This commitment guides our actions and decisions, and it reflects the culture of care we strive to uphold across the organization.

While members of Council are not employees of the Town and cannot be disciplined by the Administration, we expect all elected officials to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects our values and our accountability to the public. It is incumbent on the Councillor to decide if he will remain in office in light of the findings in this report.

As an organization, we reaffirm our commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We will take every step within our authority to protect our staff and ensure they have the resources they need. No one should experience harassment in any form.

We will not be commenting further at this time to respect the privacy of those involved and to maintain the integrity of related processes.