The City of Ottawa spent more than $11,000 on an external investigation into the social media activity of Rideau-Vanier Coun. Stéphanie Plante, a report has revealed. The probe, which examined her use of emojis and memes during a heated online debate, led to a recommended three-day pay suspension—a penalty city council ultimately voted to reject.
The Cost of the Investigation
Documents obtained through an access-to-information request show the city paid $11,131.07 for the external report. However, the full cost remains unclear because Integrity Commissioner Karen Shepherd does not track the hours she personally dedicates to individual cases. The investigation was launched following formal complaints about Plante's online conduct.
Emojis, Memes and a Heated Housing Debate
The controversy stemmed from the summer of 2024, when the city considered using "Sprung Structures" in Barrhaven to house asylum seekers. Plante was a vocal supporter of the plan and engaged in robust online discussions with residents who opposed it.
In her report released in August 2026, Integrity Commissioner Karen Shepherd found Plante violated the council's code of conduct regarding discrimination and harassment. The report focused on several posts, including Plante's use of a thinking face emoji to convey sarcasm, a meme of Oprah Winfrey implying complainants were colluding, and another meme stating "Behold: A man has arrived to share his manly view."
Shepherd concluded that Plante's engagement was "marked by the disrespectful use of memes, emojis, innuendo and disparaging ad hominem remarks."
Council's Response and Ongoing Dispute
Despite the commissioner's recommendation for a three-day salary suspension, Ottawa city council voted to issue a formal reprimand instead and did not dock Plante's pay.
Plante has consistently defended her actions, calling the complaints "politically motivated." She argued that the integrity commissioner's decision policed her tone and infringed on her freedom of expression. "We must protect space for honest, sometimes critical, public debate, especially when it concerns the needs of vulnerable residents," she stated.
The case highlights the evolving challenges municipal governments face in regulating elected officials' conduct on social media and the tangible costs associated with ethics investigations.
