Pitt Meadows councillor resigns, mayor calls for legislation changes

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – A Pitt Meadows councillor found guilty of sexual assault has now resigned, amid mounting pressure from the community and colleagues. The mayor of that community now wants legislation changed so councils have more power to remove councillors convicted of crimes.

Councillor David Murray was convicted on Wednesday of a 1992 crime involving a young person. He resigned on Sunday, after meeting with the Pitt Meadows mayor John Becker.

Since the conviction, Becker had been criticized for not forcing Murray to step down immediately, with hundreds of people signing a petition calling on Murray to be removed.

Becker says the council didn’t have the legal authority to suspend or remove Murray from office, and he’ll now be talking to Municipal Affairs Minister Selina Robinson about the issue.

“I am sure that she will be very receptive to a conversation about the need for her and her government to move quickly on the necessary legislative changes with appropriate checks and balances to avoid this situation in other jurisdictions.”

In a statement, the Minister says sexual assault is a serious crime, and she can understand why people are concerned.

“I am disappointed the councillor has not resigned and strongly believe he should listen to his constituents. Unfortunately, the ability of the ministry to take action is limited right now but in light of this situation we will be looking at whether new tools are needed.”

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