The president of Canadore College, George Burton, says the investigator's report into allegations of sexual misconduct and bullying at the college won't be made public.
"It is important to understand that this report was intended to provide participants with the opportunity to share any concerns. The investigator did not investigate those issues or in any way seek to validate the information that was shared. The purpose of the exercise was to gain an understanding of employees’ perceptions of any issues that were impacting on the work environment."
In an email to employees, Burton says "There was absolutely no suggestion from any of the persons who came forward that there was a sexual predator threatening persons at the College, or that there was any individual on campus who posed a threat to the safety of any of our employees. There was no merit to these claims.
"There was an intimate relationship between two employees, which was raised as a concern by some of the persons who came forward. However, this relationship was entirely consensual in nature, and these individuals are now married and have been for many years. Accordingly, to the extent that a few individuals raised concerns about the propriety of this relationship, those allegations deal with historical events."
That sexual relationship took place between a manager and a married employee who reported to that manager directly.
Just last week, OPSEU President Smokey Thomas expressed fears the college would bury the report.
See: Union fears Canadore will 'sweep it under the rug'
And: Union demands complete copy of investigator's report on Canadore's 'poisonous' workplace culture
Thomas said he was afraid that the Canadore Board of Governors would try and bury the investigator's report into misconduct at the college unless a copy is made available to the union which represents teachers and support workers there.
Thomas demanded, in a letter to Canadore College's Board of Directors and President George Burton that "It's time to get serious about healing Canadore's workplace culture,"
He told BayToday this morning that, "We're very disappointed," adding that OPSEU lawyers and senior staff are reviewing their options before issuing a statement later today.
Burton said in his email that the investigator cautioned the College about releasing the report due to its nature claiming a number of reasons:
- The purpose of the exercise was to gain an understanding of employees’ perceptions of any issues that were impacting on the work environment. It was not a fact-finding exercise. The investigator did not investigate those issues or in any way seek to validate the information that was shared.
- It is essential to continue to respect the privacy of those who participated, as most of the individuals who came forward chose to remain anonymous.
- It is also important to respect the due process rights of both the complainants and other parties, and
- To not deter or inhibit any potential remedial steps.
Burton says approximately 60 people participated, 45 of those were current employees.
"Many of the experiences identified were historical in nature," added Burton. "Those that had been previously brought to the attention of the College had been investigated and most resolved."
Burton blamed employees for not coming forward sooner.
"Many of the specific issues shared with the investigator had not been brought to our attention previously by either faculty, staff or OPSEU."
To correct that Burton says over the coming weeks "we will be providing all employees with additional training related to our desire to ensure a respectful workplace exists for all of our employees."
Burton added, "None of the participants indicated to the investigator that they wished to move forward with a formal complaint that could be investigated and acted upon."
He invited employees to come forward and identify themselves to the college if they have issues
"We think it is important that an avenue be made available for participants to engage in a more formal investigation of their issues if they wish that to occur. The College requests that any employee who has not had their specific issues previously resolved through the available processes, and wish to identify themselves, please do so and allow the College to proceed with a formal investigation and seek resolution."
BayToday has requested an interview with George Burton, but has not yet received a reply.
This story will be updated.
