Dave Aker has returned to office as the Mayor of Mount Pearl following a three-month investigation into allegations of harassment.
The investigation, which included input from 14 witnesses, found that the claims were mostly “unsubstantiated.”
However, the investigator notes one instance where a joke was made that would be considered a “minor breach” in terms of harassment, but that it was made “out of carelessness and not malice.”
I am happy to confirm that I am returning to the Mayor’s chair effective today. Several months ago I said that I took the complaints that we received seriously. I fully participated in the investigation process and now, with this behind us, I am looking forward to getting our City to a better place.
-Excerpt from statement issued by Dave Aker
In a statement, Aker says he is committed to learning from the investigation, improving how the city works together, and to ensuring council and staff adhere to principals of a respectful workplace.
Aker’s return to the mayor’s chair is effective immediately.