Bill Dennis has been scolded by Lambton County Council for his comments made during a meeting nearly a year ago.
An Integrity Commissioner investigation found the Sarnia/County councillor contravened sections of the County's Code of Conduct.
Delegate Integrity Commissioner Rebecca Hines, Senior Associate with Hunter Legal LLP, said the complaint was filed on February 2, 2025 by Aamjiwnaang First Nation Chief Janelle Nahmabin, following comments made by councillor Dennis during a regular county council meeting in November, 2024.
At that meeting, Dennis said the First Nation, "They have an end goal to get rid of chemical valley. Many of our constituents are employed by chemical valley. They've already put INEOS out of business. We, we can not keep on being weak to these people, we can't. We got to show some, some backbone."
"The complainant submitted that the councillor's statements were untrue, insulting and disrespectful, as well as disparaging towards the complainant and members of the First Nation," said Hines.
She said following unsuccessful attempts at mediation between the two parties, an investigation was launched in March of this year.
"The actual remarks themselves were not in dispute, of course they're on videotape," said Hines. "So, there was never a dispute about what was said, it was more about the impact of the statements and whether or not those constituted a contravention of the code as alleged."
Hines said the investigation determined councillor Dennis did in fact contravene some sections of the Code of Conduct including section 5.4 which states members shall refrain from making disparaging remarks about other members, members of the public or about council’s decisions.
He also contravened section 11.3 which states members shall refrain from making disparaging remarks about other members, members of the public, employees or council’s process and decisions.
Hines said Dennis also partially contravened section 8.1 of the code which states members of council must treat members of the public, fellow members and staff with respect and dignity, and must refrain from any conduct that constitutes abuse, bullying or intimidation.
It was determined Dennis did not contravene section 5.1 of the code, which requires all members to abide by all applicable legislation, policies and procedures pertaining to their position as a member, or section 5.3 which relates to how members conduct their dealings with each other.
Hines recommended council reprimand Dennis, which Councillor Brad Loosley disagreed with.
"Thank you for the detailed report, however, I'm a little disappointed on your recommendations," said Loosley. "My feeling is no matter what you have made it clear he did contravene [sections of the Code of Conduct], but when you recommended only two remedial measures and then make it clear that they're only requests not requirements. I just want to pass on, we have to operate with a code with mutual respect here with all of us and I'm just a little disappointed on your recommendations."
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley agreed with Loosley. He also said he felt the report ignored the integrated relationship between the city and Aamjiwnaang First Nation.
"And over the years with different chiefs going back to Ray Rogers up to the present chief we have worked very hard to have a respectful relationship," said Bradley. "And it is unique, you've got the territory right beside the city, and there's very few places where police services are provided and paid for, fire, water, sewer, the power comes from Bluewater Power."
Lambton County Council passed a motion during its meeting Wednesday requesting Dennis review a summary of the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, and a section of the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario’s 2017 Environmental Protection Report, which details the history of Aamjiwnaang and environmental pollution.
Councillor Loosley and City/County Councillor Chrissy McRoberts voted against the recommendation.
You can access the full report through the County of Lambton's website.
