Winnipeg Mayor seeks charter changes following councillor charges

Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham is seeking changes to the city’s charter to provide the council with more authority when elected officials face serious criminal charges. The push follows new criminal charges against Councillor Russ Wyatt, who has been charged with sexual assault, administering a noxious thing, and drug possession involving two separate alleged incidents.

While current provincial legislation requires a councillor to forfeit their seat upon conviction of certain offences, it provides limited recourse while allegations are pending. Mayor Gillingham stated that while the presumption of innocence must be respected, citizens deserve a high standard from public officials.

Premier Wab Kinew has also called for Wyatt to resign, describing the allegations as serious. Wyatt has maintained his innocence through his lawyer and has indicated he has no plans to step down from his position.