Saanich dismisses chief administrative officer, search for replacement underway
The District of Saanich has fired its chief administrative officer and is now looking for an interim CAO to fill the role until a new council is elected next year.
The district announced the abrupt departure of CAO Paul Thorkelsson on Tuesday, saying in a statement that his dismissal was effective Monday, Nov. 29.
No reason was given for the decision.
Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes thanked Thorkelsson for his work, telling CTV News "it was the collective will of council to go in a new direction" and part ways with the CAO after nearly six years.
"This is a personal matter between our CAO, with his HR personal issues, and council," Haynes said Tuesday.
As CAO, Thorkelsson was one of the highest-earning municipal officials in the Greater Victoria region.
Haynes declined to discuss what it will cost Saanich taxpayers to replace the municipality's top executive.
The district has appointed Brent Reems, the municipality's director of building, bylaws and licensing, as acting CAO effective Dec. 6.
"Recruitment for an interim CAO will begin immediately," the district said in a statement. "The interim CAO will remain in the position until after the 2022 municipal election. The new council will be responsible for recruiting the permanent CAO."
In a statement posted to his Twitter account, Thorkelsson thanked the municipal staff for its support during his tenue.
"Council has decided to go in a new direction with the Chief Administrative Officer role," the brief statement said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.