Calgary Mayor Dan Farkas says no current or former city council members are targets of an ongoing RCMP investigation, despite warrants being executed at the homes of several elected officials.
The RCMP confirmed this week they have seized phones from former mayor Jyoti Gondek, former Ward 4 councillor Sean Chu, and current Ward 10 councillor Andre Chabot as part of an active investigation.
"My understanding at this point is that no member of council past or present is the target of an investigation," Farkas told reporters Wednesday. "However, certain evidence that they may have in terms of text messages or emails they received are being submitted to the RCMP to be able to support the investigation of a third party."
According to Farkas, that third party is "a local business" facing allegations, though he acknowledged he has not been briefed by the RCMP or contacted as part of the investigation.
Officials Cooperating with Investigation
Gondek described herself as "fully cooperative" with officers but called the situation "invasive." Her lawyer is reviewing whether the warrant was "justified," she said.
Chabot also confirmed he is "fully cooperating" after the warrant was executed at his home Thursday, though he remains unaware of what the investigation concerns. A lawyer representing Chu has not responded to requests for comment.
The investigation stems from a referral the RCMP received from Calgary Police Services in October 2024. Calgary Police Chief Katie McLellan explained she "received a concern" that month and turned it over to the RCMP "to ensure that we had independence and objectivity."
"The RCMP is the primary police service that is conducting that investigation," McLellan told reporters Wednesday.
Independent Investigation Approach
Doug King, a justice studies professor at Mount Royal University, said it "makes good sense" for the RCMP to handle an investigation related to local elected officials, given that Calgary city council determines annual police budgets.
Police officials have released few details about the complaint "to protect the integrity" of the ongoing investigation.
The RCMP's Federal Policing Northwest Region confirmed the investigation continues, though they have not provided additional information about its scope or timeline.
This story is based on reporting by Global News and Samantha Goldstein. Source: Global News
