Mayor Holder vows to file integrity commissioner complaint over van Holst's appearance at anti-vaccine rally

London Mayor Ed Holder says he plans to file a complaint with the city's integrity commissioner about Coun. Michael van Holst, after the Ward 1 councillor attended an anti-vaccine rally downtown on Saturday. 

"Unfortunately I'm not surprised, but I am disappointed," said Holder in a media call on Monday. "He's openly defied council policy by virtue of his participation. It wouldn't surprise me if complaints are filed with the integrity commissioner."

When asked to clarify his comments, Holder said: "Can anyone file a complaint? The answer is yes. Will I file a complaint? The answer is yes." 

When asked about the Mayor's comments on Monday, van Holst refused to be interviewed. 

"I think the integrity commissioner should be able to resolve the issue fairly quickly," he said in a text to CBC News. "That's all I have for a comment." 

Van Holst has a history of opposing COVID-19 vaccine mandates and questioning the science behind rules aimed at curbing the spread of the pandemic. 

Most recently, he launched his own creed, which he calls the "Order of Freedom." Among other things, it calls on those who support the creed to "affirm our constitutional freedom from vaccine mandates."

On Saturday, van Holst attended a rally at Victoria Park in downtown London, attended by hundreds of people. Many expressed opposition to COVID-19 vaccine mandates and rules requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination at businesses and public buildings. 

In his comments on Monday, Holder called the rally organizers "knuckle draggers." He said many in attendance were not from London, which he said has made good progress by getting about 90 per cent of the population vaccinated.

London city council has approved a vaccination policy bylaw which applies to members of council and is similar to one in place which applies to city employees. All councillors and the mayor must provide proof of at least a single vaccination by Wednesday or provide a medical reason why they can't or an exemption under the Ontario Human Rights Code. 

It's not clear whether any complaint Holder plans to file against van Holst is related to this policy. 

The deadline for providing full proof of vaccination is Nov. 19. Any complaints about failing to comply are to be referred to the city's integrity commissioner.

The integrity commissioner can make recommendations regarding sanctions to Council in accordance with s.223.4(5) of the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Code of Conduct. Under those rules, the integrity commissioner can recommend a councillor be reprimanded or have their pay suspended. 

Van Holst was the only member of council who would not confirm his vaccination status with CBC News in August.