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Restaurateur calls for Katz to step down

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 01/18/2012 12:56 PM | Comments: 0 (including replies)

Mayor Sam Katz (TREVOR HAGAN / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS ARCHIVES)

A Winnipeg restaurateur has filed a court motion asking Mayor Sam Katz to step down from office or repay all costs paid by the City of Winnipeg to Hu's Asian Bistro.

Joe Chan, manager of Cathay House restaurant, filed a declaration in the Court of Queen's Bench that alleges Katz is in a conflict of interest over contracts and food services related to Hu's Asian Bistro.

In December, Katz held a taxpayer-funded Christmas party at Hu's Asian Bistro, a restaurant he owns, for the second year in a row. The previous year, the mayor's office spent $2,915 on a gathering for city councillors, department heads and their families at Hu's, according to expense records.

Chan's court declaration alleges Katz has breached the trust of citizens by unfairly awarding a contract to a restaurant where he is the sole shareholder. Court documents reveal that Chan has asked for the office of the mayor "be declared vacant" or that Katz repay any and all costs paid by the City of Winnipeg to the bistro.

Katz declined to comment on the matter following this morning's executive policy committee meeting.

Previously, the mayor has defended his decision to host the holiday party at his restaurant saying many places are booked up over Christmas and he can get a significant discount.

Chan could not be immediately reached for comment.

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