Yes! Winnipeg says no to agency leader Bill Morrissey

Winnipeg's biggest professional booster has been fired for insubordination — two months before he was to retire.

Bill Morrissey was fired on Friday from Yes! Winnipeg, an arm of Economic Development Winnipeg (EDW).

Morrissey, who was named leader of the agency in July 2010, said he's shocked by the move, adding he was told the decision was due to disparaging remarks he allegedly made about EDW to a third party.

He said the allegations stem from two separate incidents: an informal breakfast he had with Mayor Brian Bowman, and a discussion he had with a personal friend.

"I had been advised by the president and CEO of EDW that they were going to be meeting the mayor to discuss business matters, and that I shouldn't meet with him or talk with him about those," he said.

Morrissey said he went for breakfast with the mayor, but followed instructions and did not discuss business matters.

"Yet they cited that as an incident of insubordination," he said.

A representative from the mayor's office told CBC News the mayor has no information on how a personal breakfast might be included in a human resources matter.

However, Morrissey said he did discuss internal issues with a close friend, because he was concerned about the direction EDW was heading in.

Morrissey said he was concerned about how a job posting for his replacement had been designed and put out publicly. He said he told his friend via email he didn't think it would attract the right level of individual necessary for the job.

Morrissey said he and his friend, Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce CEO Dave Angus, were concerned that the criteria set out in the posting would not attract the right level of individual necessary for the job.

"Because the decision was going to be made prior to my retirement, I felt compelled that I discuss this with this confidante, and he was like-minded. It was entirely based on my passion and fundamental belief in our city and future economic development that I felt compelled to take this action," Morrissey said.

Morrissey, who had announced he was going to retire on June 30, said his opinions on the job posting were only shared with his friend, not with the wider community.

"On Friday morning I was called into a meeting and advised I was being terminated, effective immediately, and they allege insubordination," he said.

"I absolutely do not agree with their assertion. Unfortunately, with only two months until my retirement, it makes no sense for me to fight it."

Marina James, EDW president and CEO, told CBC News the group is almost done the search process for a new leader of Yes! Winnipeg.

"Given that this situation is an internal HR matter, I am not able to discuss details. However, I can indicate that this matter was carefully considered with advice from both HR and legal counsel. We thank Mr. Morrissey for his contributions and wish him the best in the future," she said in an emailed statement.

'No one deserves to be treated this way,' says Angus

In an email to CBC News, Angus said he is "shocked at the actions of EDW and their abrupt dismissal of Bill Morrissey.

"Bill is a great Winnipeg leader and has contributed greatly to our city and province through his tireless and passionate efforts to get Winnipeg on the map nationally and internationally. I am absolutely committed to Yes Winnipeg and ensuring that Bill's legacy of attracting investment and jobs to Winnipeg continues strong," Angus wrote.

"No one deserves to be treated this way especially someone as positive and honourable as Bill Morrissey. My thoughts are with him and his family."

Angus added that he does not believe the emails could be construed as insubordinate.

"They were an informed opinion about what had to happen for the organization that The Chamber started, Yes Winnipeg, in order for it to succeed," he wrote.

"I have these conversations everyday with Winnipeggers that have ideas about things we need to do or change. Thank goodness we have passionate Winnipeggers that care enough about their city to provide their opinion."

Even though Morrissey will not be fighting the termination, he says he would like to clear his name.

"Very definitely want to ensure that my story is told for the good of my team and the community," he said.