A former MP is hoping to launch a class-action lawsuit against the city of Mount Pearl for Breach of Privacy.
Bill Matthews claims his privacy, and perhaps that of many others, was breached after the city apparently accessed private Facebook messages on a city-owned iPad.
Steve Kent’s Facebook profile was logged onto the iPad left behind after the former CAO was escorted out the council building last fall amid allegations of harassment and bullying.
An investigation into the harassment allegations was launched, but the city notified Kent earlier this month that a notice of motion was being brought forward to have him dismissed for just cause.
Kent subsequently resigned and filed a lawsuit for constructive dismissal and breach of privacy after learning that his private messages had been seen by others.
According to the city, banner notifications of Kent’s communications were automatically coming across the screen of the device.
The City says it “became obvious” that there was continuous communication by Kent related to the harassment investigation and other city-related issues that it says “would be considered inappropriate behaviour of someone currently under investigation.”
Matthews says he’s “deeply disturbed” with what’s transpired, and it’s being reviewed by a local law firm.
As for the possibly of adding to the tax burden of residents of Mount Pearl, Matthews is unapologetic. He says he has rights that have to be defended.