Code of Conduct

The Peace River School Division Board of Trustees have disqualified the Ward 4 trustee, Moïse Dion, effective September 26, 2024.

In December 2023, the Board of Trustees placed sanctions on Dion after accepting the investigation report findings from a third-party investigator regarding a violation of Board Policy 4: Trustee Code of Conduct by Dion (Motion #15747). Then, in June, 2024 the Board carried a motion (#15862) upholding that Dion made inappropriate comments directed at an employee. These comments were held by the Board of Trustees to amount to discreditable conduct and a second violation of Board Policy 4. Motion #15862 required Dion to undertake a series of remedial actions.

On September 26, the board addressed both motions #15747 and #15862. Following the Board’s in-camera discussion, the following motion was made: “That with respect to Board motion #15862 Trustee Code of Conduct matter 2024-01 that Trustee Dion has not complied with the directed remedial actions set out in motion #15862.” (Motion #15922)

As a result of Motion #15922, it was then moved by the Board “that with respect to the trustee code of conduct complaint matter 2024-01 the sanction for the breach by Trustee Dion is disqualification.” 

Dion was offered an opportunity to resign, as per Section 90 of the Education Act and Dion refused to resign. Therefore, in accordance with Section 91 (a) of the Education Act the Board of Trustees declared Trustee Dion to be disqualified from remaining as a trustee and the board seat for Ward 4 (Peace River, rural Peace River, Grimshaw, Shaftesbury) to be vacant.

“As a Board of Trustees, we have dedicated considerable time to the careful deliberation this type of situation demands. Former Trustee Dion’s Code of Conduct violations were subject to a progressive disciplinary response. Our decision today is the result of the Board choosing to remain committed to the PRSD’s foundational statements of operating in a respectful and responsible manner, with our core values of honesty, integrity, respect, fairness, compassion and responsibility. We remain committed to upholding and fostering the attitudes and habits necessary to work effectively and productively with one another in order to provide our students, families and staff with a welcoming, safe, and caring environment set up for student success,” Lacey Buchinski, PRSD Board of Trustees Vice-Chair.

While the seat for Ward 4 remains vacant, all residents of Ward 4 are encouraged to bring their questions, comments or concerns regarding education to any member of the Board. Regarding a physical presence at school functions and meetings, both Ward 5 Trustee Lori Leitch and Ward 2 Trustee and Board Chair Crystal Owens will continue to attend school functions, including school council meetings, in Ward 4.