Media across northern Ontario are reporting on OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas’s demand that Canadore College release a report looking into allegations of bullying, harassment and intimidation by senior staff.
“The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) is accusing Canadore College of engaging in an ‘attempted cover up,” reports The North Bay Nugget.
“The union president is now calling for [Canadore CEO George] Burton, as well as Shawn Chorney, Canadore’s vice-president of enrolment management, Indigenous and student services, to be placed on administrative leave while the provincial ministries ensure the report is disclosed to the appropriate parties, including the union, and the allegations of a “poisoned work environment” are fully addressed.
CTV News reported that “OPSEU President Warren “Smokey” Thomas tells CTV News he was concerned the matter would be swept under the rug. “
Bay Today said that Thomas is shocked that the report has been shown to senior managers at the college who were the subject of the investigation.
“Employees who participated in the investigation were assured that their concerns would not be disclosed,” Bay Today quoted Thomas. “Now, their confidential information may have been shared with those who are accused. This is a shocking breach of trust and fairness. How can they now feel safe and protected by the College?”