“I will truly, faithfully and impartially exercise this office to the best of my knowledge and ability.”
That’s one of the promises made by an Ontario mayor upon election-a pledge that Patrick Brown seems to have completely disregarded as he aims for a third term.
On October 15, five candidates running for mayor in Brampton gathered at the Peel Art Gallery (PAMA) to sign a joint accountability pledge. This document, known as the Brampton Accountability & Transparency Commitment, urges any candidate who signs it for Mayor, City Councillor or School Trustee in Brampton to “take all reasonable and lawful steps” to fulfill several commitments if elected.
The commitments include creating a “permanent, independent Auditor General for the City of Brampton,” endorsing the implementation of recommendations from the Ontario Ombudsman regarding the “2017 Brampton procurement investigation,” and backing the “reconsideration and, where legally and factually appropriate, reopening or continuation of third-party investigations and audits cited by the Ontario Ombudsman in 2023.”
The document also specifies that any signatory who is elected will take “the necessary steps within [their] lawful authority, including bringing these matters before Council for consideration and action at the earliest permissible opportunity.”
The candidates present were Prabh Gill, Wesley Jackson, Nathaniel Peart, Paul Tariwal, and Najma Khurram-all vying for mayor. A legal representative was there as well to witness and explain the details of both the meeting and document.
As expected, Brown was not there.
Tariwal remarked that they were signing this document as residents demanding transparency rather than just politicians.
“We’re all basically standing arm-in-arm saying that this is our city,” he said.
“How can we let anyone use city funds like their own personal bank accounts when there’s no accountability or transparency?
“This is our money, our city, our future-it’s not his.”
Gill described the pledge as an oath he would work to turn into a municipal bylaw if elected. He promised forensic audits, whistleblower protection measures, and regular spending reports every quarter. “This is leadership,” he stated.
Brampton mayoral candidate Prabh Gill signed an accountability pledge with other candidates and will work on turning it into a bylaw if elected. (Alexis Wright/The Pointer)
Regarding Mayor Brown’s absence, Jackson commented that “the ungovernable refuse to be governed.”
While Brown isn’t mentioned directly in this document, it’s worth noting that some recommendations from the Ombudsman reference six investigations cancelled by him.
The Pointer has been reporting on various controversies surrounding Brown since his election as Brampton’s mayor back in 2019.
In October 2019, Mayor Brown faced criticism after hiring David Barrick as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Brampton along with Jason Tamming as Director of Communications. This raised eyebrows because both had previously been dismissed from their roles in Niagara due to their involvement in a hiring scandal revealed by Ontario’s Ombudsman which was termed an “inside job.”
Brown led committees overseeing their hiring but denied assisting them despite having personal connections with both men.
A year later in 2022, Barrick was terminated after allegations surfaced against him from former staff member Nikki Kaur. Six councillors voted him out after just eighteen months on duty.
In 2020 during mask mandates across Canada due to COVID-19 concerns, Brown was caught on camera entering a city-owned hockey rink on August 11 while it should’ve been closed down. He claimed he was checking out conditions inside but friends already playing confirmed he secretly opened up facilities for games every Wednesday (watch the video here).
Faced with cameras, Brown hurriedly left alongside his driver Nick Gahunia-a taxpayer-funded employee at City Hall. Afterward, a report generated by integrity commissioner appointed under him cleared him but received backlash due its inadequate investigation efforts.
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Patrick Brown was seen preparing to play shinny with friends at a City-owned hockey arena that should’ve remained locked down during pandemic restrictions.(You Tube/Rebel News) p >
In August 2022, Brown used seven city employees without proper authorization or record-keeping while campaigning for federal Conservative Party leadership. The integrity commissioner couldn’t find enough evidence against him due partly because records weren’t kept violating rules barring usage government resources towards political campaigns. Brown argued instead this validated his position although numerous residents disagreed.
On February 10th The Pointer disclosed integrity commissioner Muneeza Sheikh charged taxpayers over seven times more compared her peers even though she lacked experience. In addition, she had ties linking her back directly onto Mayor Browns connection whilst Marlon Kalideen-the newly assigned CAO handpicked too without following regular process-directed rehiring Sheila after prior termination.
Just when scrutiny about appointments made came into focus later month The Pointer exposed inconsistencies around claims made concerning municipal funds. Budget presented labeled “lesson chaos” cut critical infrastructure projects yet increased freezes -even news announcing improvements regarding transit followed hikes commuters were facing. Several initiatives aimed restoring economy post-COVID were postponed until further notice.
This fiscal plan broken down allows taxpayers insights about how finances utilized – however budget didn’t include similar charts revealing allocations planned ahead.(Photo: Alexis Wright/The Pointer; Chart: City Of Brampton)
Overall contents outlined indicate failures associated persistently within administration under Browns leadership which failed address ongoing needs population shows troubling evidence promising strategies such cricket stadium, LRT extension university are still unfulfilled despite dipping reserves accounting public losses leading low tax rates maintaining years freezing budgets adversely affected local infrastructure greatly hindering development progress region.
April 2023 witnessed another reversal with promises terminating nepotism forgotten almost immediately following re-election. Once again pledging reform simply resulted actions taken reinforced old habits returning earlier practices allowed hire family members among councilors raising flags concerns community demographics where eighty-one percent identified visible minorities against only fifteen percent holding leadership positions. Browns past reviews emphasized guidelines written approval avoid conflicts interest yet progress seemed nonexistent therefore increasing barriers transparency governance.
According Municipal Freedom Information Protection Privacy Act(MFIPPA) mandate responses needed timely manner thirty days reported only sixty-four percent compliance achieved attributing delays factors such staffing changes backlog instances criticized regarded diminishing accountability systems surrounding Browns multiple scandals occurring simultaneously.
No response forthcoming when inquiries arose regarding canceled investigations initiated requested revisit actions.Soon afterwards , provincial Ombudsman recommended investigate conduct concerning fallout stemming issues affecting failed university project brought light major financial burden taxpayers left carry roughly $630k bill following cancellation endeavors prompted sudden intervention cease probing altogether. Many involved expressing discontent frustrations levels rising among previous staffers highlighting disturbing behaviors observed involving hands-on management style reflected trust diminished throughout various entities collaborating closely firms operating construction jobs connected via friendships forged longstanding ties between partners.
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< Patrick Browndismissed accusations surrounding attempts cover-up cancelling probes instigated himself neglectful approach prioritized results over ethical standards compromises exist affecting credibility moving forward facing pressure calls responsibility answer inability improve situation surrounding neighborhood conditions drawn over course recent events unfolding year forced revisit these ideals establish accountability sought diligently throughout community channels urging deeper scrutiny practiced sincerely.
< Despite many others advocating joined voices demanding thorough exploration Bradontinuous expenses blamed stretched far beyond limits imposed allowing taxpayer dollars vanish thin air resulting feeling distrust lingering citizens unaware whereabouts funds allocated specifically benefiting few involved circle deemed close proximity each other creating environment rife favoritism rampant behavior noticed persists through numerous ongoing incidents recently documented history record keeping errors noticeable across board facilitating lack openness determined remain status quo unhindered lack oversight further aggravated current climate concern mounting popular opinion echoed countless dissatisfied constituents longing fair representation devoid self-interest driving decisions influencing daily operations designated locally control government offices effectively services rendered adequately reliable capable delivering standard quality expected basic governance irrespective party affiliation regardless career background chosen trajectory pursued serving interests residents communities represented whole instead yielding isolated privileges those closest circles wield considerable influence growing divide apparent evident even above normal activities conducted task forces focused addressing discrepancies arising nature dealings intended rectify problems established failings become solutions rather merely exacerbate existing divisions leaving unresolved questions linger unanswered impacts now felt hard times economically pressures forcing adapting circumstances gradually lead falling short targets set forth too often sidelined agendas foster mismanagement frustrating everyone waiting greater clarity direction lies ahead finalizing outcomes promising brighter future seen brighter days past times long lost behind shadows cast creeping uncertainty loom constantly threatening possibility shifting tides once always safe harbor amid storms faced together forging paths onward toward hope rejuvenated resolve amidst challenges ever-present continuing fight pushing boundaries expectations exceed capabilities demand respect professionalism observed conduct displayed leaders today grounded values ethics truly serve honorable motives worked tirelessly uplift those seldom heard voices making difference change towards growth sustainability healthy society deserve recognize contribute success enjoyed collectively part shaping landscape built shared vision born service commitment characterizes essence true democracy flourishes brightest when combined efforts harness strength unity purpose reflect aspirations totality greatness achievable each individual striving seeking betterment understanding endless potential manifested genuine intentions act accordingly nurture environments promote equality equity justice ensuring deserved opportunities available benefit all pursuing dreams aspirations freely unencumbered myriad limitations barriers imposed overly restrictive regimes stand firmly united challenge assumptions may come define reality never limit aspirations seek make undeniable mark history witnessed improving lives everybody experiences simply live fullest enjoy living moments count remembering always journey counts just destination reached along way rediscover passions get reinvigorated remember empower truths lived out practicing tenets existence bring meaningful change possible little time encountered obstacles keep pressing forward until lights shine clear show path laid forth existence nothing could block reaching authentic self encouraging inspire love appreciating appreciate all offer cherish nurturing hearts makes world wonderful place inhabit create memories worth sharing reflecting stories echo generations come build bridges connecting gaps fostering understanding compassion embrace diversity embracing differences enriches lives families cultures ultimately stronger unified fabric woven together knitted purpose held tightly weaving stories shared cherish legacy left behind continue pave roads lead brighter tomorrows.”
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