Sudbury Catholic District School Board searches for new chair

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is looking for a new chair, following the city clerk removing the former chair this week, after he missed the deadline for filing his financial statements from last year's municipal election.

Jody Cameron has filed financial statements throughout his 15-year stint on the board. But this time, he said he simply forgot.

"You know that's my fault," he said. "I own that and I'll accept the consequences."

Cameron said his mind has been clouded lately with the recent deaths of three family members.

"I don't want to use that as an excuse, but it was a preoccupation and it was a priority for me and my family."

The school board has 90 days to get a new chair and an emergency school board meeting is expected to be called next week.

Trustees can make an appointment, or call a byelection which could cost taxpayers up to $25,000.

Interim chair Michael Bellmore said he doesn't know if that is the best option.

"I can't help but think, 'Was there a better way that the clerk could've done it?'" he said.

Sudbury city clerk Caroline Hallsworth said a reminder was sent in December to all candidates.

"You have five months to complete the filings," she said. "You can also file an extension."

Cameron is unable to appeal the decision, however, he can hire a lawyer to file an affidavit. He said that will cost him between $5,000 and $10,000, which he doesn't want to do.

Several candidates didn't meet filing deadline

Hallsworth said a large number of candidates in last year's municipal election failed to file their financial statements on time, including Cameron.

She said 21 out of 117 candidates didn't meet the deadline to file, which was March 27 at 2 p.m.

She said those numbers include both the city council and school board races, and added the city usually only sees eight or ten outstanding statements.

"Those who did not file their financial statements are not eligible to run in the next [municipal] election, nor are they eligible to be appointed to any office covered under the [Municipal Elections] act until after the next election," she explained.

Hallsworth said there isn't legislation to force the 21 candidates to file their financial statements, but added citizens can request what is called an Elections Compliance Audit.

She said they must have reasonable grounds to believe a candidate has contravened the act as it relates to their finances.