CALGARY — Calgary city councillors are being told that their hands are tied if they want to sanction a fellow councillor who leaked private information.

At a meeting this morning, councillors were told by officials that their powers to investigate and take action on misconduct have been severely curtailed by recent changes to provincial legislation.

Changes to the rules effectively put disciplinary power in the hands of Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The councillors were meeting to discuss what to do with Ward 14 city councillor Landon Johnston.

Johnston admitted last week to leaking confidential budget documents to a local reporter.

The councillors voted to inform Williams and the provincial privacy commissioner about the leak.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 8, 2026.

Dayne Patterson, The Canadian Press