Sarnia's mayor says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau chose the "worst time possible" to step down as leader of the Liberal Party, leaving very little "runway" for matters to be addressed ahead of political changes in the U.S.
Trudeau announced his resignation on Monday and the prorogation of Parliament until March 24. The announcement came two weeks before U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump takes office.
Mayor Mike Bradley said aside from the threat of U.S. imposed tariffs, there are concerns surrounding Line 5 and border security.
"We've left ourselves open to some major issues and the ability to push back," he said. "I am worried because we are an energy hub and we need to protect that."
Bradley said he's hoping to organize a meeting with border city mayors across the country soon but it will likely be after a new Liberal leader is chosen.
In the meantime, the provincial government has launched a border security initiative to tackle criminal activity.
Bradley said other suggestions, made to the Trudeau Liberals, to improve border security remain at a standstill.
In late 2024, Bradley sent a letter to MP Dominic LeBlanc, the public safety minister at the time, requesting the re-establishment of Sarnia's Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) detachment. Bradley said he plans to follow up with the current public safety minister at some point.
Bradley said if the federal building (used prior to the 2019 closure) is unsuitable, he suggests utilizing Sarnia's Chris Hadfield Airport.
"We have an existing terminal building that is highly underutilized and they could be in that location, right on [Highway] 402, straight access to [Highway] 40, straight access to the bridge, and you have an airport there," he said. "So that's in motion and I'm going to continue to press that."
During his annual State of the City address at the Kiwanis Club of Sarnia-Lambton Golden K meeting on Tuesday, Bradley discussed multiple other topics such as the need for more housing, the need for a new overflow shelter, and the current status of the homeless encampment at Rainbow Park.
He said as of January 6, 12 people remain at the park and there are 16 tents.
"I'm meeting with the county in a week or two to talk about the money [the Ford government] is offering to deal with encampments and the homeless," Bradley said.
During his address, Bradley highlighted the housing starts approved last year, as well as the commitment to focus on asset renewal.
Moving forward, Bradley said council will explore the possibility of returning to in-person council meetings but he will be taking a zero-tolerance approach when it comes to inappropriate behavior.
"We have had a major occupational health and safety investigation at city hall in the last couple of months -- I have not seen the report yet -- because of concerns. I wasn't interviewed. It's coming from staff, it's coming from councillors, it's coming from the public," he said.
Bradley later elaborated and said complaints were received in late 2024.
"As required, a health and safety investigation was started by an outside law firm," he said. "I expect to see that report really soon and take it to council."
Bradley said it's his understanding that the investigation has concluded, but he's unsure if or when the report will be released. If it is, the identity of the complainants would need to be protected.
Bradley did not specifically name who the complaints were lodged against.
In response to a question posed by a Kiwanis member, Bradley said he doesn't completely agree with proposed changes to the Municipal Accountability Act, introduced by the Ford government in December 2024.
He said he has spoken with Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey and Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault on the matter. Bradley said local integrity commissioners and council members should not be the ones to decide if a council member is taken out of office for contravening the code of conduct.