Winnipeg city council votes to remove Wyatt from boards, committees amid sexual assault charge

Coun. Russ Wyatt says he is disappointed by a move to restrict his city hall duties following his arrest and sexual assault charge. CTV's Jeff Keele reports.

Transcona Coun. Russ Wyatt has been kicked off multiple city committees and boards.

Winnipeg city council voted 14-0 to boot Wyatt off seven boards Thursday afternoon, one month after he was charged with drugging and sexually assaulting a man.

The boards and committees include the city’s property and development committee, the Winnipeg Food Council, the Transcona Business Improvement Zone board, the Transcona-West Joint Venture Agreement Management committee, the Transcona Museum Board, the Winnipeg Public Library Board and the Winnipeg Housing Rehabilitation Corporation.

Earlier Thursday, Wyatt said he would not participate in the vote, as his case remains before the courts.

The charges against Wyatt have not been proven in court. Wyatt has maintained his innocence.

Following his arrest, Mayor Scott Gillingham and others urged Wyatt to step away from council while he deals with the charges.

Wyatt ignored the calls and showed up to council the next day.

Council does not have the authority to remove him from council or the local community committee.

RELATED STORIES:

• Wyatt says motion to remove him from committees ‘disappointing’
• Motion to oust Russ Wyatt from five committees, boards clears hurdle
• Winnipeg Coun. Russ Wyatt arrested, charged with sexual assault