OTTAWA – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) confirmed they are investigating a City of Ottawa councillor but refused to identify the politician.

“In October 2020, the Ottawa police requested the assistance of the OPP to conduct an investigation in to the conduct of a member of Ottawa city council,” OPP media relations officer Const. Bill Dickson released in a statement today (Dec. 4).

An Ottawa staffer also released a statement.

“The City of Ottawa cannot confirm or deny whether or not the police or OPP have made inquiries into Councillor Rick Chiarelli,” City of Ottawa Clerk Rick O’Connor said. “The Municipal Act, 2001, regarding the Duty of Confidentiality expressly mandates, ‘every person acting under the instructions of the (Integrity) Commissioner shall preserve secrecy with respect to all matters that come to his or her knowledge in the course of his or her duties under the Part.'”

Police declined to offer any further details while the investigation is underway.

Coun. Rick Chiarelli’s office issued its own statement, saying the College Ward representative is not aware of an OPP investigation.