The decision to end the contract of the Lac La Biche County Chief Administrative Officer was not a unanimous one.
Lac La Biche County Mayor Omer Moghrabi told the POST earlier tonight that he wasn't in favour of the decision that came after what he calls a "robust" discussion behind closed doors.
While he wouldn't say who did vote in favour or who brought up the discussion, he did say the result ends up being a decision of all of council, whether it is a unanimous decision or an approval with five of the nine council members approving.
"It is a motion of council and a decision of council, " he told the POST, explaining that Amblie, who has been the municipality's top administrative official since 2015 was let go without cause.
• FULL STORY is HERE
• Press Release and Council photo HERE
• Cote says firing decision wasn't easy
Councillor dislikes process
Lac La Biche County councillor Lorin Tkachuk responded to the POST's request for a comment on Tuesday night just as the municipality's communication department released a short notice saying that the employment contract of CAO Shadia Amblie had been terminated.
Tkachuk said he too did not vote in favour of the decision.
"I voted against the motion for dismissal of the CAO because I do not agree with the process that was taken. To fire without cause is not something I could vote in favour of," he told the POST, but added he too understands that a majority of votes means a council decision has been made. "As far as the decision goes I will support the will of council and we will move forward to find a strong leader for our administration. I thank Shadia for her efforts and time with Lac La Biche County."
As for moving ahead, and re-assuring community members — Tkachuk said it is a corporate change, similar to the hirings and firings in other public sector areas or in private business. He said the change in administrative leadership can bring more opportunities to the community.