Rocky View County (RVC) Div. 1 councillor Kevin Hanson is receiving professional training within 60 days on the nature and extent of his confidentiality obligations after being found to have been in violation of the council's code of conduct and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

It's in response to recommendations made by RVC Interim complaints adjudicator Ellen-Anne O'Donnell after investigating a complaint filed on Oct. 29, 2023. Her report was provided to council on Jan. 18, and discussed at its Feb. 13 council meeting. Shortly afterward, the report was made public by the county council.

At an Oct. 10 meeting, Hanson incorrectly referred to the termination of former CAO Dorian Wandzura as a "firing" and allegedly made statements that it was connected to the county's inability to complete its budget.

At the same meeting, he falsely accused another former employee of stealing time and money from the county. The matter had been discussed in a closed session and was confidential.

According to the adjudicator's report, Councillor Hanson stated he viewed the terms "firing" and "termination" as synonymous. 

"In my opinion, the terms “firing” and “termination” are not synonymous," O'Donnell states in the report. "When an employee is said to be “fired” that indicates wrongdoing, implying bad behavior, a negative attitude, unethical conduct, or poor performance. The employee does not typically agree to be fired.

"An employee can be terminated for multiple reasons, including furlough, redundancy, job performance, restructuring, or downsizing," it continues. "Termination may also be without cause and by mutual agreement."

A third allegation of receiving confidential information concerning the termination of former CAO Wandzura at an Aug. 1 public meeting was discussed in the report. Council had previously addressed that issue with an official warning.

Hanson made the motions to both accept O'Donnell's report as information and to complete the training.

As a show of support for Hanson, RVC councillors Greg Boehlke, Samanntha Wright and Sunny Sumra will also be taking the training.