[thistleclub]

Ombudsman Investigating NHL Meeting [Emma Reilly, Hamilton Spectator, Aug 3 2011]

The Ontario Ombusdman’s office has launched an investigation into the meeting at the request of Hamilton resident and 2010 municipal election candidate Paul Tetley.

Councillors were forwarded a letter Tuesday from the Ombudsman asking them to hand over any “emails, correspondence or personal notes” pertaining to the January meeting when Edmonton Oilers CEO Pat LaForge sat down with four councillors.

Jason Farr, Lloyd Ferguson, and Terry Whitehead — all members of the NHL subcommittee — and Councillor Robert Pasuta spoke to LaForge about the Pan Am stadium, Jim Balsillie’s bid to bring an NHL team to Hamilton and what was happening in the National Hockey League. Scott Duvall, the fourth member of the subcommittee, was invited but could not attend.

The Ontario Municipal Act states a meeting is any regular, special, committee or other gathering for the purpose of doing city business. It is considered to have begun when a quorum is achieved. There is no allowance in the Act for informal meetings.