Saskatoon City Council has chosen to rescind a nomination for Councillor Darren Hill to run in an election for the board of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Hill currently serves as the second vice-president of the FCM Board of Directors

Councillor Marin Loewen says the representative to that board should be able to fulfill the roles and expectations of that role.  “The President of FCM has written a letter outlining serious concerns with patterns of behavior, that he has observed from Councillor Hill and the impacts of these behaviors they have had on governance and the staff.”  Loewen says these are concerns they are taking seriously and says based off the information that council has it was the most responsible decision.

Councillor Hill says he feels shocked and betrayed by the decision that was made at a special council meeting on Monday night.  Hill claims without any notice to him, the Governance and Priorities committee voted to rescind his nomination.  He was then invited to a meeting with Mayor Clark and Councilors Loewen and Donauer, in which he was given two options.  To either voluntarily resign from his current position with the FCM or having a special public meeting rescinding their support.  Monday’s public meeting was the result.

Hill says after recently going public with a mental health diagnosis, instead of being supported he feels shunned by his colleagues. “Who seem intent on taking away everything I’ve worked towards.  There have been many statements made by members of the public, including the disabled community who are shocked at the lack of support I’m receiving.  Yes, I have a diagnosed disability, but I’m being treated for it.  I’ve submitted medical documentation to (council) that supports my ability to do this very important work”

While details of the letter from the FCM President remain confidential, City Council was almost unanimous in their decision to rescind the nomination, with only Councillor Hill opposed.