Councillor Guy Boutilier has called it quits.
The RMWB says the Ward 1 representative handed in his resignation letter to the city on Saturday, in the midst of a legal challenge to his seat.
Court documents argued he should be removed from council because of he wasn’t living in the city for six months leading up to his nomination for the 2013 election.
Boutilier previously served as RMWB mayor, before leaving for provincial politics as a member of the PCs and Wildrose party.
“I want to thank Mr.Boutilier for his time served on Council – he demonstrated passion and commitment to his constituents, and was an advocate for open and transparent government,” said Mayor Melissa Blake in a press release. “I was surprised by his resignation, but I wish him the best of luck. I know this decision would have been difficult for him, but I also know he would have made this decision with the best intentions for not only the constituents of Ward 1, but also his family and his colleagues on Council.”
Boutilier was elected on Oct. 21, 2013, Boutilier served for nearly a year and a half. Boutilier served for 12 years on Council and was voted Mayor of the former City of Fort McMurray in 1992, becoming the first Mayor of the newly formed Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo in 1995 before entering provincial politics in 1997.
In an email sent to Mayor and Council obtained by MyMcMurray Boutilier said,”Time is a precious gift especially when it comes to sharing it with family. As many of you know I have been actively pursuing full time opportunities and I have decided to resign from Council. My ability to provide for my family has been impacted and I have given great consideration to these factors in making my decision to resign.” The email was dated Jan. 24, 2015.
The byelection to fill the now vacant council seat is required to be held no later than 90 days from the date of Boutiliers resignation on Jan. 24, 2015, meaning the by-election needs to be held no later than Apr. 24, 2015.
Council will determine the exact date at a later time.
– Includes files from Bradley Karp
