Counsellor Shafiq Dogar RMWB Official Photo
Councillor Dogar sanctioned for interference during 2024 wildfire crisis, but sanctions no longer enforceable
FORT McMURRAY, AB. — Councillor Shafiq Dogar was sanctioned by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo council for disrupting emergency operations during the 2024 wildfires, according to a report from the municipality’s former integrity commissioner. However, those sanctions are no longer enforceable following recent provincial changes to municipal governance laws.
The October 2024 report from Integrity Commissioner Kenneth Warren found Dogar entered restricted evacuation zones and interfered with emergency response activities during evacuations in Abasand, Beacon Hill, Grayling Terrace and Prairie Creek. He also visited the reception centre in Lac La Biche without notice, which officials said disrupted municipal staff during the crisis.
Warren concluded that Dogar’s behaviour demonstrated an “egregious lack of good judgement” and was more about self-promotion than fulfilling his responsibilities as an elected official. The report said Dogar failed to understand the division of roles between council members and municipal administration, particularly during an emergency.
The report also documented repeated personal attacks against Chief Administrative Officer Henry Hunter. Dogar allegedly used profanity during phone calls and referred to Hunter in emails with derogatory language, including calling him “the beast” and accusing him of racism and incompetence. The integrity commissioner found this violated multiple sections of the municipality’s code of conduct.
Despite being given multiple opportunities between June and October 2024, Dogar did not participate in an interview with Warren or provide a written statement. Warren noted this lack of cooperation further breached the code of conduct. He also described Dogar as a “repeat offender,” having been the subject of three previous formal complaints that led to findings of misconduct.
In January 2025, council accepted Warren’s findings during a closed-door meeting and imposed sanctions. These included a public reprimand, a requirement to apologize publicly, removal from all municipal committees, and a ban from representing council externally. But those sanctions became moot after the provincial government eliminated mandatory municipal codes of conduct in April.
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