Bill Dennis reprimanded by Lambton County Council, Chief says apology needed

Heather Wright/The Independent

“Where is the apology to the Aamjiwnaang First Nation?”

That from Chief Janelle Nahmabin, responding after Lambton County Council reprimanded of Sarnia City/County Councillor Bill Dennis for remarks he made during a discussion at council.

Oct. 1, Lambton County Council agreed with the recommendations of the Integrity Commissioner to reprimand the Sarnia councillor for comments he made during a debate in November 2024.

Council was discussing a letter from Nahmabin suggesting a fine levied on Imperial Oil which affected the health of members of the community should be turned over to Aamjiwnaang since the community suffered the consequences.

Dennis called the chief “very, very anti Chemical Valley,” saying she used terms like “environmental terrorism” at Queen’s Park and at a conference in Japan, and that her end goal was to “get rid of Chemical Valley.”

Dennis added: “they’ve already put INEOS out of business,” and that “We cannot keep on being weak to these people. We can’t. We have to show some backbone.”

Nahmabin filed a complaint to the Integrity Commissioner which took eight months to investigate.

Rebecca Hines told Lambton County Council Oct. 1 as she delivered her report: “I accept that the
Councillor (Dennis) was motivated by a desire to represent his constituents and advocate for those whose livelihoods depend on the petrochemical industry in Lambton County. I found no evidence of malice in his intent.”

But Hines said Dennis’ did make “disparaging remarks” against members of the public, by suggesting “they” members of the First Nation are trying to get rid of the Chemical Valley.

Dennis said was referencing environmentalists when he made the remarks, but Hines says it is clear the remark was made about the Aamjiwnaag community..

Hines says she accepts Nahmabin’s assessment of the “adverse impact that the Councillor’s remarks had on the Aamjiwnaang community and find that the councillor should have exercised greater care in this case.”

County council agreed with Hines’ recommendation to reprimand Dennis for his actions and recommended he read the Summary of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario’s 2017 Environmental Protection Report, which details the history of Aamjiwnaang and the environmental pollution there.

Not everyone was happy with the result; Petrolia Mayor Brad Loosley was disappointed saying councillors have to “operate with a Code, with mutual respect here” adding the recommendations on education were “only requests not requirements.”

Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley and Sarnia City/County Councillor Brian White said the incident had damaged relations with Aamjiwnaang.

“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, and it is unique,” said Bradley. “That relationship, I thought, was ignored during this report, how integrated we are as communities and every day, it takes a lot of effort to keep that relationship strong.”

“There are neighbours, there are friends, there are partners, economically as well as socially. And it’s been years of building relationships,” said White.

“There is an added tension now, there is a level of concern with how this relationship is going to unfold. I believe they’ve been very gracious and working with those of us who are willing to participate in these conversations. But at the same time, it needs to be noted that incidents like this can set us back significantly.

“I’m embarrassed for what happened, and I do feel it’s important to acknowledge that, you know, at least at some point, perhaps, you know, I fell short and could have intervened,” he added.

Nahmabin tells The Independent she still has a good working relationship with many Sarnia councillors and did not believe that has changed with Dennis’ remarks. But, she says the Integrity Commissioner missed a very important component in her report.

“Where’s the apology to the Aamjiwnaang First Nation? Ultimately, that is what it comes down to – that’s what I would hope – that our community members can have that apology.”

Nahmabin added Dennis’ often chooses “us versus them” language. “It isn’t your constituents, your constituents against mine – that whole mindset? No, it’s a shared area here we live here. We have to live in harmony. Why cause further division?”

During the original discussion about the Imperial Oil fines in November 2024, Sarnia’s mayor suggested a meeting with the First Nation to discuss it. He raised the issue again Oct. 1.

Nahmabin says she did meet “briefly” with Lambton County Warden Kevin Marriott via video conference but has yet to meet with the full county council.

Dennis, meantime, was not present at county council as the report was read. In a social media post, he said; “My comments were part of a tough but necessary debate on issues that matter to our community. They were not personal attacks on the Chief or the people she represents. My words were political opinions, the kind every councillor has a duty to express. When elected representatives can’t speak plainly, the truth is democracy is lost,” he write.

“This report once again tries to turn free speech into misconduct, and that’s very, very wrong.” In the course of the investigation, Hines said Dennis accused Nahmabin of trying to “’police the truth’” of political speech.”

Hines said politicians are free to speak there opinions, but within bounds. “Members of the Council are elected to represent their constituents and participate in robust debates. However, this right is not absolute; it must be balanced against the limitations imposed by the Code (of Conduct), which seeks to ensure respectful and civil discourse.”