Winnipeg councilor's 'bike Nazi' warning is under review

A Winnipeg councilor's widely criticized comments earlier this week about cycling advocates that prompted an apology also led to a formal complaint with the city's integrity commissioner.

Earl of Transcona. Russ White described bicycle advocates as “bicycle Nazis”. at Tuesday's meeting of the city's public works committee, apparently aimed at Bike Winnipeg executive director Mark Cohoe.

Coho asked for the removal of the city at that meeting skid row At Osborne Street and River Avenue — a curved lane that allows motorists to travel from Osborne to the river without crossing to increase safety for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Number. Janice Lux (Waverly West) believes White's comments violated a provision in the city council's code of conduct that prohibits harassment, and she has filed a formal complaint with the integrity commissioner.

“If you don't agree with something, there are a lot of ways to express your displeasure at city hall, but calling names and using horrible, horrible references is not the way to do it,” he told the CBC on Friday.

White apologized for his comments Wednesday, which he said were “offended” but not directed at a specific person, after drawing fire from Bike Winnipeg, Mayor Scott Gillingham and others.

Lukes says White's apology was sincere, and that he tried to express his, his constituents' and others' concerns about cyclists in the city, but did so in an “uncomfortable way.”

“There were a lot of scenes at City Hall,” he said. “But nothing like that.”

Education Complaint Process: Commissioner

Sherry Walsh, the city's integrity commissioner, could not speak to specific complaints, but discussed the general complaints process with the CBC on Friday.

Walsh said some of the issues he must consider before starting an investigation include whether the complaint is “frivolous or vexatious” and whether there is enough evidence.

For investigations that conclude a council member violated the city council's code of conduct, Walsh said he prepares a report that the council uses to determine possible punishments, such as a public apology or reprimand.

However, Walsh said an investigation would not be necessary if the councilor had publicly apologized for his actions in relation to the complaint.

“I see the complaints process as remedial, not punitive. It's there to ensure members understand their obligations under the code,” he said.

“It's about education, so if I think I'm satisfied that the member understands their obligations and they've taken the appropriate steps to demonstrate that, then I see no point in continuing the investigation.”

White said he is already cooperating with the commissioner.

“I will work with the integrity commissioner on his recommendations and leave it to him to issue his summary or report when that time comes,” he told the CBC on Friday.

Wyatt says he “didn't mean any offense” in reference to the Nazis and is a strong supporter of Israel, but Bick Winnipeg was right to call him out for comment.

“You have to be careful with this thing called ego, which I call 'Putting God out,'” White said. “He scares you, so you should always be aware of him – no matter who he is. you're alive, so I'm glad they invited me.''

White said the commissioner has received other complaints about his comments.

But he said Lux's complaint shows “a little bit of politics at play” because he's interested in the federal NDP nomination for the Transcona riding in Winnipeg and is considering a federal Conservative run in Winnipeg's South Central, he said.

Lukes called the accusation “ridiculous” and an attempt to deflect from the issue at hand.

LISTEN | Bike Winnipeg ED responds to apology:

Koho says he accepts White's rejection of the term “Nazi,” but he doesn't believe the counselor's apology is sincere.

“It reads more like a defense than an apology,” he told CBC Manitoba host Faith Fundal in an interview on Thursday. Up to speed.

“It still doesn't get to the heart of the argument that we want a safe city for cycling.”

Koho said the conversation at City Hall, which should be a place of “open exchange,” lacked civility.

“I think we need to talk about the issues, not the people who are pushing these issues.”