Donald DeGagne was awarded damages equivalent to six months’ notice, damages for loss of pension, and also relocation costs of $643 in his case against the City of Williams Lake for wrongful dismissal as Chief Administrative Officer.
Honorable Madam Justice Dardi gave the ruling in the Supreme of B.C. on Friday.
She says in her view the City treated Mr. DeGagne shabbily, but however, cannot conclude that the conduct of the City can properly be characterized as reprehensible.
“I am not persuaded that there is any principled basis upon which to make an award of special costs.”
Degagne who had sued for damages, wrongful dismissal and aggravated, and punitive and special damages, as well for alleged breaches of the Community Charter, was hired to begin work as the City’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) on March 1, 2013.
The City had terminated his position on February 27th, following an anonymous letter concerning DeGagne and his performance as the former CAO of Summerland received by former Mayor Kerry Cook.
We asked current Mayor Walt Cobb if the ruling may have any financial implications for the City.
He says they will be releasing a statement later this afternoon.
You can view the full ruling here.
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