The CEO and medical officer of health for the Northwestern Health Unit will be looking for employment elsewhere if Alberton council has any say in the matter.
At its regular meeting Wednesday night, Alberton council voted 3-1 in favour of a resolution calling on the board of the Northwestern Health Unit to dismiss Dr. Peter Sarsfield for his handling of the second-hand smoking issue.
The resolution, put forward by Coun. Bill Morrison, was based on the fact smoking “is not illegal for persons 19 years of age and over” and his contention that Dr. Sarsfield is “bullying business owners” with threats of legal action.
The resolution also contended it “appears inappropriate for a person whose salary is paid by taxpayers to threaten to use substantial sums of money provided by taxpayers to sue taxpayers when the activity they are allegedly to be sued for is not illegal.”
In a recorded vote, Couns. Doug Mitchell and Mike Ford supported Coun. Morrison’s resolution while Reeve John Milling was opposed.
Coun. Lisa Allan was not present for the vote.
Emo council passed a similar resolution at its regular meeting Thursday night by a 3-2 margin.
In a recorded vote, Couns. Ken Fisher, Gary Judson, and Harriet Sheloff were in favour of it while Reeve Russ Fortier and Coun. Geoff Pierce were against it.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
