A special meeting of the Whitby Council aimed at discussing a report from a law firm investigating claims of “racial micro-aggressions” directed at Regional Councillor Steve Yamada was adjourned Monday afternoon after less than two minutes.
Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy was about to introduce Lauren Bernardi from Bernardi Human Resources Law, who was set to present her findings regarding the allegations made by Yamada concerning his brief time as deputy mayor last year when Yamada requested an adjournment to allow him more time to review the report.
“As the victim who has gone through a lot in this process,” Yamada stated, “I’d like a full opportunity to go through this.”
The vote passed 6-2, with only Roy and Niki Lundquist opposing the delay.
Yamada held the mostly ceremonial Deputy Mayor position in spring 2024 before the summer recess-a period during which council changed its procedures for rotating deputy mayors.
Yamada stepped down after these changes, and during a council discussion meant to confirm Lundquist as deputy mayor, his ally Chris Leahy disrupted the proceedings with accusations of racism, claiming other councillors subjected Yamada to microaggressions based on his heritage.
Mayor Elizabeth Roy intervened, demanding that Leahy either apologize or leave the chamber. Leahy declined both options, leading to an adjournment after a short recess, during which he later accused council of conducting a ‘secret meeting’ while they were absent.
Whitby Councillors Chris Leahy and Steve Yamada
Roy was cleared of this allegation later on, while town’s Integrity Commissioner ultimately sanctioned both Yamada and Leahy for violations of conduct standards by docking their pay for one week each.
Bernardi concluded in her report that while Yamada was indeed treated “differently,” there was “insufficient evidence” to prove that his identity as a Japanese Canadian played a role in that treatment.
Bernardi also indicated that there is evidence suggesting dysfunction within the council, despite ongoing town business amid these tensions.
“Nearly everyone I interviewed noted that the working relationship within council has been fractious at times. Some witnesses described councillors Leahy and Yamada as being on one ‘side’ against the remainder of council. The relationship between Councillor Yamada and Mayor Roy was described as particularly strained.”
During her interviews with Bernardi, Roy admitted she did not want Yamada serving as deputy mayor when it came time for him in 2024, stating their “priorities are not aligned” and given the new strong mayor powers, felt it was “important to have a deputy mayor who would not undermine her priorities.”
“I want to be clear that any reservations I had regarding his ability to effectively serve as deputy mayor stemmed from concerns that our priorities for the town are not aligned, as well as my observations about a pattern of disrespectful and divisive behaviour.”
The mayor commented that this investigation has been a “difficult process” for both council members and staff; she believes it provides “an important opportunity for reflection and improvement.”
“This is the final year of the current council term, and significant work remains,” said Roy. “My focus continues to be on serving the people of Whitby, strengthening our community, and delivering results that enhance residents’ lives. I am committed to doing this work with respect, transparency, and integrity.”
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Mayor Elizabeth Roy intervened, demanding that Leahy either apologize or leave the chamber. Leahy declined both options, leading to an adjournment after a short recess, during which he later accused council of conducting a ‘secret meeting’ while they were absent.
Whitby Councillors Chris Leahy and Steve Yamada
Roy was cleared of this allegation later on, while town’s Integrity Commissioner ultimately sanctioned both Yamada and Leahy for violations of conduct standards by docking their pay for one week each.
Bernardi concluded in her report that while Yamada was indeed treated “differently,” there was “insufficient evidence” to prove that his identity as a Japanese Canadian played a role in that treatment.
Bernardi also indicated that there is evidence suggesting dysfunction within the council, despite ongoing town business amid these tensions.
“Nearly everyone I interviewed noted that the working relationship within council has been fractious at times. Some witnesses described councillors Leahy and Yamada as being on one ‘side’ against the remainder of council. The relationship between Councillor Yamada and Mayor Roy was described as particularly strained.”
During her interviews with Bernardi, Roy admitted she did not want Yamada serving as deputy mayor when it came time for him in 2024, stating their “priorities are not aligned” and given the new strong mayor powers, felt it was “important to have a deputy mayor who would not undermine her priorities.”
“I want to be clear that any reservations I had regarding his ability to effectively serve as deputy mayor stemmed from concerns that our priorities for the town are not aligned, as well as my observations about a pattern of disrespectful and divisive behaviour.”
The mayor commented that this investigation has been a “difficult process” for both council members and staff; she believes it provides “an important opportunity for reflection and improvement.”
“This is the final year of the current council term, and significant work remains,” said Roy. “My focus continues to be on serving the people of Whitby, strengthening our community, and delivering results that enhance residents’ lives. I am committed to doing this work with respect, transparency, and integrity.”
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