A CBC investigation in the fall of 2019 spoke to many women who accused the councillor of inappropriate behaviour, and reported the experiences of eight of them. The women said they were asked questions, told stories and shown pictures they found inappropriate and sexual in nature.
Three female job applicants made official complaints to integrity commission Robert Marleau, who found in his July 2020 report that the councillor contravened the code of conduct and that his behaviour had been offensive and disreputable, qualifying as harassment under the city s policies.
Marleau recommended Chiarelli be docked nine months pay the most severe penalty available under law and council approved the recommendation.