Sarnia's mayor has written a letter to Ontario Premier Doug Ford, urging the province to make modifications to the Municipal Accountability Act of 2025.
Bill 9, which was proposed by the province last May, would create a standardized code of conduct, mandate training, and establish a process to remove municipal councillors or mayors for serious violations.
It allows for the removal of members who violate the code in a way that harms health and safety.
Mike Bradley said while the intent of the bill is good, and welcomed by municipal leaders, there are some flaws that need to be addressed before it gets royal ascent and becomes law in Ontario.
He said it's supposed to kick in before the next election, and extend beyond.
"What I'm saying is before they pass that legislation, which has been approved in the legislature, that they change it so the local council one isn't involved," said Bradley. "Because there's cross relationships there, or two, if it is going to be local council, then make it clear you need a two-thirds vote, or you need 50 per cent not what they're recommending which is unanimous support."
Bradley said gaining unanimous support "is not workable in some situations," and pointed to Sarnia as an example.
He admits removing an elected official isn't something to be taken lightly, only when it goes beyond free speech and attacks people based on background or sex.
"It's a very draconian move, but there have been a number of examples in this province where councillors continue to ignore and disrespect their colleagues, the public in particular. There needs to be a mechanism there, it'd be what I call the nuclear option. I would hope it would never be used, but there's nothing right now and we've had many people say, 'Can't you remove the person from your chamber?'"
Bradley's letter to Ford comes in the wake of Facebook comments made by City/County Councillor Bill Dennis.
He called the decision to install Indigenous art at Sarnia City Hall "woke" and "out of touch with the vast majority of Sarnians."
Dennis also went after Aamjiwnaang First Nation Chief Janelle Nahmabin in his comments.
"You are terrified of me becoming mayor (and you should be) because you know that see through your bulls*** and I won't kiss your a ** like naive clowns like Bradley, Vandenberg and White and that I will fight you lock stock and barrel if you try to go after other Sarnia refineries and jobs," wrote Dennis.
The exchange prompted Integrity Commissioner complaints to be filed by First Nations Chiefs and led to a special Sarnia council meeting on Tuesday.
A motion made by fellow councillor Adam Kilner, requesting Dennis apologize to those affected, passed unanimously.
Dennis took to social media shortly afterward and said "there is no way that I will be doing any of this."
Kilner also asked for regular updates to be provided by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) Working Group.
His motion for city staff to consult with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario and the Human Rights Commission also passed.
Only councillor Terry Burrell was opposed.
