## Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Rick Upton
Two Town Staff members accused Stouffville Councillor Rick Upton of repeated sexualized comments and unwanted touching, with incidents dating back to 2022. An independent investigation found both complainants credible and determined that Upton’s actions violated the Council’s Code of Conduct. The report described the behavior as a persistent pattern of unwelcome sexualized conduct rather than isolated lapses.
## Investigation and Findings
Integrity Commissioner Suzanne Craig reviewed the case after an anonymous complaint was filed in June 2025. The investigation revealed that Upton made repeated inappropriate remarks about one staff member’s appearance, including saying she looked “sexy,” commenting on her weight loss, and claiming a dress she wore was “too distracting.” He also admitted to touching a staff member’s shoulder and caressing another’s arm in ways that made them uncomfortable.
## Upton’s Response and Commissioner’s Recommendations
While disputing some details, Upton apologized and accepted responsibility for most of the allegations, emphasizing that he did not intend to cause harm. The Commissioner rejected intent as a defense, highlighting the power imbalance between Upton and the staff members and the Town’s Anti-Harassment Policy. Recommendations include a 60-day pay suspension, formal reprimand, mandatory training, and written apologies to the victims.
## Broader Context and Impact
The report also noted a pattern of boundary-testing behavior by Upton toward multiple female staff members, raising concerns among other women employees about a broader culture of inappropriate conduct within the Town administration.
> “The information that I have received and reviewed demonstrates that the Respondent [Upton] engaged in repeated, gender-based, sexualized, and unwelcome conduct. These elements reflect a course of conduct, not isolated lapses.” – Suzanne Craig, Integrity Commissioner
> “There is a substantial power imbalance between the Respondent and each of Witness 1 and Witness 2. Courts and tribunals recognize that a substantial power imbalance can erode, if not impede, a victim’s belief that they can refuse unwanted advances.” – Integrity Commissioner report
Rick Upton’s actions constituted serious breaches of workplace conduct policies, necessitating strong disciplinary measures to uphold a safe and respectful environment.
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The Hamilton Spectator — 2025-11-29