SANDRA M STANWAY
Brooks Bulletin
The Bulletin has learned that deputy CAO Amanda Peterson has been terminated by the city.
An email to CAO Chris Parker as to why the termination took place and what the next steps are went unanswered as of press time.
Also we have learned that harassment reports have been filed with Alberta Occupational Health (OHS) and Safety.
Peterson worked for the city since December 2011 as the deputy CAO, a position she maintained throughout her employ except for a short time in 2024 when she assumed the acting CAO’s position until the new CAO was hired in July 2024.
“This decision is not a governance decision. Our responsibility is with the CAO,” said mayor John Petrie.
Petrie said he did have a discussion with Parker prior to Peterson’s termination.
“According to the MGA (Municipal Government Act) the council and mayor cannot get involved. If we get involved in operational stuff it will be a disaster,” he said.
Also, according to an OHS report from Feb. 14, 2025, officers conducted a work site inspection to discuss concerns they had received.
During their visit they met with Petrie, who acted as the employer representative.
The parties discussed the disciplinary action complaints.
“At the time of the inspection, the employer confirmed that incidents of harassment have been reported to the employer but an investigation had not been completed,” states the OHS report.
However, Petrie said he wasn’t told who or how many complaints had been received so an investigation would be difficult for him to do. A third party was hired to complete the process which is to be completed by April 14.
The city has also been ordered to update their violence and harassment prevention plan.
The plan was last updated in 2021 and is to be done every three years and, according to OHS, at the earliest time possible when an incident of harassment occurs.
