Favel eyes return to Bear Clan leadership role

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This article was published 03/09/2020 (1576 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Ousted Bear Clan director James Favel says he has been reinstated as a member of the volunteer community patrol organization and plans to run for a spot on its board.

Favel said he’s not looking to “start any trouble,” and is focused on leaving the past behind.

“I’m celebrating that I have an opportunity, that my nomination has been accepted, that I have an opportunity to get back on the board of directors,” the Bear Clan co-founder said in an interview Friday. “That’s very important to me. I’m not doing anything to jeopardize it.”

At the time of his removal, which was announced July 31, Favel cited the reason as “massive board overreach.”

Bear Clan board chairwoman Shaneen Robinson-Desjarlais told media his dismissal was due to inappropriate conduct towards staff.

Favel announced his membership had been reinstated through social media Friday, thanking supporters and asking them to join the Bear Clan as members and vote for him at the non-profit organization’s annual general meeting Sept. 29.

Bear Clan representatives did not respond to requests for comment Friday.

A Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health report investigating complaints in July referred to Favel’s conduct with an employee as “unprofessional and intimidating.”

Favel said he filed an appeal to with the provincial agency last week, adding he “disagreed vehemently” with the report.

“I don’t know that they’ll walk back anything they said, but I think just the fact that I’m a member in good standing and my nomination has been accepted should say something,” he said.

malak.abas@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: malakabas_