On August 12, Henry Banman held a media conference to announce his candidacy for City Council. During his speech he made defamatory statements about Swift Current Mayor Jerrod Schafer. 

Mayor Schafer   asked for a public apology or he would bring a civil claim forward. Since none was given by Banman, Schafer filed with Court of Queen’s Bench about statements made concerning Mayor Schafer and his wife, Kelly, on August 30.

A hearing occurred on Tuesday, October 18 with Mayor Schafer, Mr. Banman, and a mediator from Saskatchewan Dispute Resolution Office concluded with a signed apology from Mr. Banman which reads as follows:

“During my address announcing my intention to run for City Council, I said that Mayor Schafer hired his own wife to work at City Hall.  From my experience on Council, I am aware the mayor is not formally involved in the hiring process except for senior management. I am aware Kelly Schafer’s position is not senior management.  Therefore, Mr. Schafer did in fact NOT hire his own wife.

In my presentation, I asserted that Ms. Schafer was still being paid while away on leave.  I was informed by City Hall that she is on an unpaid leave of absence and is not being paid at this time. 

I apologize for my misrepresentation of what happened and for any harm this may have done to Mayor Schafer and/or Ms. Schafer. 

In the past, I have unfairly criticized Kelly Schafer in the community and I sincerely apologize for doing so.”

Upon receipt of this apology, Mr. Schafer is dropping the civil claim and considers the matter closed.

“I appreciate the response from Mr. Banman, as apologies are never as easy to say as they should be,” said Mayor Schafer.

Schafer continued, “I hope that moving forward this raises the bar in how we treat our elected officials and volunteers.  It is one thing to respectfully disagree with policies, decisions or vision but it is important to stick to the facts and refrain from personal attacks on individuals or their family members.”