A heated exchange started by councillor Bill Dennis led to the abrupt adjournment of Sarnia's city council meeting on Monday.
It followed a presentation by Sarnia Environmental Advisory Committee member Greg McConkey, where an overview on findings contained in the group's report on carbon pricing was shared.
The topic had been referred to the committee in response to a motion made in September by Dennis to axe the carbon tax.
"I recognize that the committee, and you Greg, are passionate about the carbon tax, however that is not what we asked for," Dennis said. "We need to know what the general community wants. As I mentioned previously, asking the environmental committee if we should cancel the carbon tax... is like giving PETA [People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals] a barbeque dinner. While we're at it, let's ask Nashville if they like country music or let's ask mayor Bradley if he's ever heard of Bruce Springsteen."
When Dennis' comments continued, Mayor Mike Bradley reminded him of the rules of order and the discussion spiraled into personal attacks.
"First of all... it's almost unheard of for a resolution of council to go to a special committee. Are you that desperate to protect your buddy in Ottawa?," Dennis asked Bradley. "Are you that desperate to protect your friend? The worst Prime Minister in the history of Canada. Are you that desperate?"
Bradley asked Dennis to have some respect for him as chair and his council colleagues.
"Just please calm down," Bradley said. "The speaker has a right to answer questions. He came here and made the presentation at our request and is reporting back and then when we get, later, to the motions you can debate all you want then."
But Bradley's request didn't stop Dennis from switching his focus to the speaker.
"A guy that doesn't even drive a car, that doesn't own a car, is against the carbon tax," Dennis said.
Mayor Bradley interjected again.
"Please do not personalize this," Bradley said. "I don't know the individual. Please do not personalize. You've done that with other members of this environmental group. They're citizens, whether you agree or disagree, they're citizens who have a right and a point of view."
You can view the heated exchange by scrolling to the 3:02:54 mark during the meeting posted here on YouTube.
Bradley ended up adjourning the meeting for five minutes, but when the break resumed council moved to adjourn to the next regular meeting or at the call of the chair.