Ottawa city councillor Chiarelli citing illness for council absence

By Mike Vlasveld

Ottawa City Councillor Rick Chiarelli is taking a leave of absence from City Hall, as he says an illness has kept him from attending council meetings in recent weeks.

In a statement released Tuesday afternoon, the councillor said he was rushed to hospital after an examination at his doctor's office on August 14.

“I have attempted to follow my doctor's instructions since then, almost completely eliminating work and stress activity and attending follow-up appointments,” Chiarelli wrote.

He said he has been too sick to formalize the process of taking an official leave of absence from City Hall since going to the hospital more than a month ago. 

“With the assistance and urging of my doctors, I am able to do so [Tuesday],” said Chiarelli. “I hope to return to my duties as soon as possible, but must continue to focus on my recovery.”

He added that his staff will continue to work on behalf of his constituents in the meantime.

Chiarelli did not give any specifics about his illness, but said medical documentation has been made available to the City Clerk on a confidential basis.

A report surfaced on September 12, accusing Chiarelli of sexual misconduct at City Hall and during the process of interviewing for jobs in his office. He did not address these accusations in his statement, Tuesday.

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