Mayor retains lawyer in light of RCMP investigation, will not make further comment (updated)

London Community News

Update (Oct 22): The following statement was released Monday (Oct. 22) by London Mayor Joe Fontana: "I understand that the matter has been referred to the RCMP for review.  I thought it prudent to consult with counsel and accordingly have retained the services of the office of Gordon Cudmore.  I have instructed them to cooperate with this review.  In the mean time, I have been advised not to make any further public comment until that review has been completed." More information to come as it becomes available. ---------------------------------------- Update (Oct. 21): The following statement was released Sunday (Oct. 21) by London Mayor Joe Fontana: "My preliminary review of the documents and financial statements currently available to me clearly indicates a personal payment made to the Marconi Club during the time frame in question. As the dates and events are from nearly eight years ago and the London Free Press has refused my request for a copy of the documents in its possession, I have contacted the appropriate institutions for copies of required material. "This is a serious matter; however, it will not impede nor affect my work as Mayor of London.  This remains my priority and chief obligation. "As additional information becomes available updates will be posted on my website." In response to Fontana's statement, the London Free Press stated on its website that it "made repeated requests last week for a response to specific questions about the disputed payments but has received no direct response to them. "The Free Press has also offered to show Fontana the documents if the mayor will agree to answer those questions." More information to come as it becomes available. ---------------------------------------- Mayor Joe Fontana is in damage control mode after allegations arose late Thursday (Oct 18) he had used government cheques to pay for his son’s wedding reception seven years ago. After making a few initial statements to local media earlier in the day, Fontana has declined further comment except for a statement he released mid-afternoon Friday (Oct. 19) “As I stated yesterday (Thursday, Oct. 18), and reiterated this morning to several media representatives, the documentation relating to the story has not been shared with me,” Fontana said. “I have not been contacted by anyone regarding these accusations. I was not aware of any investigation.” Reports in local media alleged the mayor — who at the time was Liberal MP for London North Centre and the Minister of Labour and Housing — used government cheques, totalling more than $20,000, to cover payments to the Marconi Club. The club was used for the wedding reception of Fontana’s son Michael in 2005. Although not willing to discuss details of the allegations, Fontana did say, through his statement, that he takes the matter seriously and will be looking into the documentation around what has been reported. “I will not respond to questions based on anonymous sources, rumours or speculation,” Fontana said. “I will deal with the facts and authenticated documents in a timely manner and with all due diligence. I am confident a thorough and fair review will clearly demonstrate all transactions were proper and valid." While Fontana was being tight-lipped, the person sitting in his former London North Centre seat did speak on the allegations during Question Period in the House of Commons. MP Susan Truppe, responding to a question posed to her regarding the allegations, said if true, Fontana’s actions constitute “stealing” and should be fully investigated. “I know families in London, and in fact all Canadians, are worried about the very serious allegations that have been made against their former Liberal MP. We will trust the experienced officers of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to get to the bottom of this very serious matter and determine whether any taxpayer money was abused by the senior Liberal cabinet minister,” Truppe said. “It is up to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to determine whether any criminal charges will be required. The Liberals have not been in government since 2005 and if these allegations are true, then they are still stealing.” Find us on Facebook: London Community News