Markus Chambers apologizes after ethics investigation [Video]

A city councillor is apologizing after an investigation found he violated a code of ethics rule by not recusing himself from a vote on a proposed development co-owned by a personal friend and former campaign manager.

An investigative report in front of city council said Markus Chambers broke the code by participating in a committee meeting where he influenced, discussed, and voted on a decision where he had a conflict of interest.

“I was really focused on outcomes, the best outcomes for the community which blinded my judgment in terms of recusing myself from this vote,” Chambers told CTV News Winnipeg on Friday.

“I apologize for the optics it created.”

The investigation by the city’s integrity commissioner was launched following a formal complaint filed in September 2023.

It stems from an agenda item at a Riel Community Committee meeting in June of 2023 concerning a proposed multi-unit apartment complex at 180 Creek Bend Road, which is in …