Halton Catholic District School Board trustee in Oakville charged with 12 counts of fraud

Halton Catholic District School Board trustee Nancy Guzzo has been charged with fraud.

The Oakville trustee was charged by Hamilton police on Jan. 21, 2021, with 10 counts of fraud under $5,000 and two counts of fraud over $5,000, related to her employment with the Laborers' International Union of North America (LiUNA), specifically in her position as assistant business manager for LiUNA Local 3000.

Guzzo was assistant business manager for LiUNA Local 3000 between March 2018 and April 2019 and prior to that, business manager and secretary-treasurer for Local 1110, according to LinkedIn.

Guzzo is currently vice-president of Food4Kids Mississauga and continues to sit as a trustee.

In a statement released Friday afternoon, Guzzo said as this legal matter is currently before the courts she could not share details that would help provide context.

What I can disclose, is that I was a 20-year employee of LIUNA until March of 2019, at which time I was dismissed without cause. I cannot comment further, but I look forward to being able to share my side of this situation as this legal process plays out.

It has been an exceptionally trying period of time, and I would like to thank the members of our community who have reached out to me. The kindness and support I have been shown have given me strength.

I remain committed to upholding my duties as trustee for the Halton Catholic District School Board. I will continue to advocate passionately for the students and families served by our system, and I will always ensure the voices of my constituents are heard at the board table."

The HCDSB has been aware of the matter, said board chair Patrick Murphy.

We understand that this is a pending legal matter that is currently before the courts," he said. As these allegations are not in connection with her role as trustee, this matter falls outside of the purview of our board."

Under the Education Act, a member of a board must vacate his or her seat if convicted of an indictable offence, said Murphy.

Trustee Guzzo has not been convicted of any offence and is therefore not required to step down."

The matter will come before the court again Nov. 16 in Hamilton.