NORTH BATTLEFORD — The City of North Battleford is advising that North Battleford city councillor Ross MacAngus is facing a criminal charge.
"Transparency is one of the fundamental core values of the City of North Battleford and city council, and in support of that value, the City of North Battleford would like to advise the public that Councillor Ross MacAngus has been charged with a criminal offence," the news release stated. "Section 120(1)(d)(i) of The Cities Act provides that a member of council is disqualified if the member is convicted while in office of an offence punishable by imprisonment for five years or more."
The city noted, "unless and until there is a criminal conviction, there is no basis to remove the council member from his elected seat on council."
The city said it will refrain from commenting further at this time and will respect the judicial process while the matter is prosecuted through court.
The city's release followed an earlier announcement by the Town of Battleford, where MacAngus has been employed as its public safety officer, has retired, effective Dec. 5.
As a result of this retirement, the town will begin the recruitment process to secure a replacement as soon as possible.
In the interim, the town provided the following information and directions for public safety and bylaw concerns:
- Public safety and bylaw inquiries: Residents are encouraged to email [email protected], call the town hall office at 306-937-6200, or submit an E-Service Request Form under the government tab on the town’s website to report any issues, complaintsor requests for action regarding public safety or bylaw-related concerns.
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Urgent matters: For immediate concerns requiring attention, people are asked to contact the CAO at the email address: [email protected].
"We appreciate the community’s understanding during this transition and remain committed to ensuring the continuity of public safety and bylaw services within the town of Battleford," stated Mayor Ames Leslie in the press release.