A candidate for city council, who is also employed by the city, is under scrutiny for wearing attire with the City of London logo while canvassing, potentially violating a city bylaw. Sam Hajar, a city planning department employee, is campaigning for a council seat in Ward 7 while on an unpaid leave of absence as mandated by the Municipal Act.
In social media posts, Hajar is seen at residents’ doorsteps wearing city-branded clothing, including shirts and hats featuring the city’s logos. The use of such attire is regulated by a city bylaw aimed at ensuring fair elections by prohibiting candidates from utilizing city resources, including trademarks and logos, for campaign purposes.
The city’s clerk’s office has acknowledged being alerted to Hajar’s posts and clarified that city-branded clothing is exclusively available to city employees. Despite Hajar’s explanation that he purchased the attire from a store at city hall, the clerk’s office emphasized that such clothing is designated for city staff only.
Hajar, acknowledging the controversy, expressed willingness to cease wearing city-branded clothing while campaigning if it causes confusion among voters. Another candidate in Ward 7, Dan Meinen, a city building inspector, highlighted the importance of candidates clearly distinguishing themselves from city employees during campaigning to avoid misleading voters.
While Meinen opted not to file a complaint against Hajar, he underscored the significance of upholding transparency and avoiding potential confusion between official city business and election campaigning. The possibility of penalties for violating election regulations falls under the jurisdiction of Ontario’s Municipal Elections Act, with courts responsible for determining any sanctions.
As the nomination deadline for municipal elections approaches, voters in Ontario will cast their ballots on October 26 to determine the outcome of mayoral, city council, and school board races.