Haldimand trustee resigns after backlash for involvement with lavish Italy trip

A Catholic school board trustee has resigned following backlash for his failure to repay his part of a lavish trip to Italy last year.

Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board (BHNCDB) trustee Mark Watson stepped down today.

Chair of the BHNCDSB, Carol Luciani, acknowledged receipt of the resignation and offered the following statement:

“We respect Trustee Watson’s decision to step down from the Board and will move forward, collaboratively, with a continued focus on teaching and learning, student well-being, and the strategic priorities that guide our Catholic school system. Trustee Watson’s resignation will take effect upon approval at the Meeting of the Board on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at which time a decision on how to fill the vacancy will also be made.”

READ MORE: Education minister tables bill to fire Haldimand trustee refusing to repay $12K

On Monday, Education Minister Paul Calandra tabled a bill aiming to fire Watson.

The minister said Watson had not repaid the $12,370 he owes to the board after he and three other trustees took a trip last summer to buy religious art for classrooms, and racked up a bill of around $145,000 after travel expenses.

A report from the ministry also shows Watson had repaid a total of $1,216.71 by March 6 and had agreed to continue making payments until May 2028, when the total $12,370 is paid.

The minister’s announcement comes after Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s government launched investigations into several Ontario school boards for financial mismanagement.

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