A motion at Winnipeg city hall would give council the ability to place a councillor charged with a criminal offence on a paid leave of absence. Mayor Scott Gillingham and Councillor Cindy Gilroy put the motion forward Thursday. They’re asking the province to make the legislative changes necessary that would give council the authority to “prohibit the member from exercising the powers of a member of Council or carry out the duties of the office, including attending or participating in any meetings of Council, committees of Council, Council seminars, boards, commissions, or any other bodies in the member’s capacity as a member of Council, while on leave,” according to the motion. This comes after Transcona Councillor Russ Wyatt announced this week he is running for re-election. Wyatt is facing sexual assault charges in two separate alleged incidents in 2023 and 2025. Wyatt has said he has done nothing wrong and he is presumed innocent. He told CTV News Thursday he has referred the motion to his lawyer. Council did strip Wyatt of some committee duties but could not force him to step away entirely.
