RICE

Dec 1, 2023

Article content Article content “I am not a perfect person and there has been a learning curve in my first term on council,” said Rice in her letter. “I take this matter very seriously.” “I’m saddened to learn through these news articles that some people felt they did not have a good employment experience, and if this is their perception, I am sincerely sorry. I am in the process of making arrangements to engage in workplace training and will invite my current staff to attend.” Postmedia spoke to five people who previously worked for Rice at different points during her two-year council tenure and others inside city hall. They describe working with an employer who belittles, yells and makes unrealistic demands, who is overly preoccupied with her public image, and who lashes out at staff for her own struggles to balance her duties as a city councillor. Related Stories Article content In an audio recording obtained and verified by Postmedia , two assistants accuse Rice of yelling or raising her voice earlier that day, on other occasions, and during the meeting. Throughout the 27-minute meeting, Rice indicates she expects her subordinates to tell her if she is yelling because it is unintentional. Rice is heard berating one employee in the presence of another. In her statement Friday, Rice pointed to her background as a Chinese immigrant where speaking loudly is a “cultural trait as my first language involves many different tones.” She said since coming to Canada her English has improved, but “it is not always perfect.” “I feel the way I have been portrayed in recent media reports is inaccurate,” said Rice. Earlier in November, Postmedia reached out to speak with Rice about the allegations, however, she declined an interview. On Nov. 23, Postmedia presented Rice with a list of specific allegations made by staff. In an email statement to Postmedia on Nov. 24, Rice did not answer specific allegations but said, “I’ve had wonderful staff who have made many positive contributions.” Advertisement 4 City figures show 19 people have worked for Rice since she was elected in 2021 — 13 people were hired on contract and three worked as summer interns. Three administrative city staff also worked for Rice. No other councillor has worked with more than six employees, excluding interns, in that time. In response to the high turnover in her office, Rice said some of her staff members include temporary support staff who are hired under contract. Others are casual or summer students. Rice did not specify whether the former staffers who alleged abuse were full-time or contract workers. “I have enjoyed working with some very good staff but I am unable to provide more detailed information because that would violate their privacy,” said Rice. Rice said she ran for office to make a “positive difference” in the city she loves and committed to continue her work to represent those in her ward. She concluded her letter by saying this will be the final time she is commenting on the allegations. “I want to help make Edmonton a better and more beautiful city for all its residents and visitors — from those experiencing homelessness to our wealth creators. I will continue to work tirelessly to represent people in Ward Ipiihkoohkanipiaohtsi and endeavour to keep costs down for all Edmonton residents.” Advertisement 5