The board of directors at Community Living Stratford and Area (CLSA) have released the results of an investigation conducted by an independent, third-party investigator, into allegations against its CEO, Trevor McGregor.
The investigation was initiated by the board of directors and stemmed from a complaint in January by Kyle Clark, husband of a former employee, Amy Clark, regarding the CEO’s interactions with his wife, while she worked for Community Living Stratford and Area.
The board of directors released the findings of the investigation through a statement on the Community Living Stratford and Area website and its Facebook page. The board said it would not normally comment about an investigation or complaint, however, a social media campaign by Kyle Clark, “left us with no choice but to speak more candidly.”
The workplace investigator, Angela A. Bradley, also a lawyer and mediator, interviewed relevant people, read e-mails, policies and human resources documents, the statement said. The investigator considered Clark’s allegations under the organization’s harassment, violence and abuse policy and the Ontario Health and Safety Act.
Bradley found that interactions between the CEO and employee were few and far between and typical in a workplace, the statement said.
The investigator found no credible testimony that the CEO made insulting or degrading comments and contrary to the complainant’s assertion, there was no evidence that anyone’s employment was threatened regarding contact with outside agencies, according to results of the investigation.
There was also no indication that employment was threatened in relation to complaints against another support worker, contrary to an allegation that Clark made.
The CEO was within in his rights to provide reminders about agency expectations related to workplace confidentiality, which also did not constitute harassment, abuse of power or a toxic work environment, per the board statement.
Gerry Krug, president of the board of directors at Community Living Stratford and Area, is the signatory on the letter from the board, which states: “Our hearts go out to everyone grieving the loss of Amy Clark, a valued staff member. It has been a difficult time for her family, friends and colleagues.”
The board stated in the letter that they hope that staff get the support they need while “grieving this sudden loss”.
The letter asked that all members or the CLSA community “respect the outcomes and follow the processes established by the law and our policies”.
My Stratford Now reached out to the board and Kyle Clark for comment on Thursday but did not get a response as of Friday afternoon.
