St. John’s council suspends Councillor Tom Davis following code of conduct investigation

St. John’s city council is set to formally reprimand Coun. Tom Davis after an independent investigation found he engaged in disrespectful behaviour that contributed to a poisoned work environment at City Hall.

The investigation stemmed from a complaint received by the city solicitor on March 13, 2026, alleging violations of the city’s Councillor Code of Conduct and Respectful Workplace Policy. The complaint cited a verbal exchange that occurred on March 10, along with four other incidents involving Davis.

After an initial review determined the complaint could not be dismissed, the matter was referred to external investigator Donna Ballard under the city’s Councillor Code of Conduct.

Ballard interviewed 18 people, reviewed documents submitted by the parties involved, and examined audio and video recordings provided by the city. The investigation was conducted using the civil standard of proof, known as the balance of probabilities.

In a report submitted to the city solicitor on May 8, Ballard concluded that Davis breached sections 3.1 and 3.3 of the Respectful Workplace Policy by engaging in disrespectful behaviour.

The report found Davis acted in an insensitive and disrespectful manner during a verbal exchange before a council meeting on March 10. It also found he made multiple offensive comments to colleagues that failed to respect the opinions and perspectives of others.

Ballard further determined that Davis questioned the competency of city staff through remarks that cast doubt on their professional reputation and integrity. The report concluded that the cumulative effect of his comments and conduct created a poisoned work environment.

Council received and accepted the findings following a presentation by Ballard on May 19.

At a meeting on May 27, council considered whether sanctions were warranted under the Councillor Code of Conduct. Councillors decided to bring forward a resolution at a regular council meeting declaring that Davis contravened Section 6 of the Code of Conduct and sections 3.1 and 3.3 of the Respectful Workplace Policy.

The proposed sanctions include a formal reprimand by council, mandatory training focused on respectful communication, professionalism, sensitivity and inclusion within 60 days, and a one-month suspension from council duties with pay.

The complaint was the first to proceed to a full investigation under the city’s Councillor Code of Conduct since the code was adopted.