On May 12th, 2022, The Honourable Mr. Justice P.J. Boucher of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruled that in the case of Robert Swayze (Espanola Integrity Commissioner) "the applicant" v. Maureen Van Alstine "the respondent":
A) The respondent has contravened section 5 of the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act;
B) The respondent is reprimanded; and
C) The respondent’s seat on the municipal council of the Corporation of the Town of Espanola is declared vacant.
This ruling stems from an application submitted to the Court by the Town of Espanola Integrity Commissioner as relates to violations of the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act by Van Alstine.
Council will be deliberating on a preferred process for filling this vacancy pursuant to section 263 of the Municipal Act at its next regular meeting.