Mayor Don Scott is apologizing for his actions during an altercation between him and Councillor Keith McGrath.
Wood Buffalo council met on Tuesday where they heard a report made by the Integrity Commissioner regarding the situation.
During an in-camera meeting on June 25, Scott used profane language and attempted to physically restrain McGrath after he tried to leave the meeting.
A formal complaint was filed on July 4.
Integrity Commissioner Jim Peacock undertook an investigate into the situation and found Scott contravened the Council Code of Conduct Bylaw.
His recommendation was for Scott to publicly apologize, specifically to McGrath, for the incident.
Scott took to social media shortly after council’s meeting, where he stated the incident was the result of a stressful time in his life.
“Early this year, my wife Janey began to experience a serious health crisis. Another close family member’s personal struggles, the impact of the economy on our region, including personal impacts, and concern over the well-being of my aging parents who live across the country compounded this stress.”
He notes he was struggling to control his emotions, however, adding this isn’t an excuse.
“I treated a colleague in a way that was disrespectful, and I deeply regret my actions. My full intent is to do better in the future than I have done in the past, and that is my commitment to you – and to myself.”
McGrath was unable to respond after he left council’s meeting early.
