The Independent

The Integrity Commissioner says a Sarnia councillor’s comments about an Indigenous mural at City Hall were “a political argument” and has dismissed the complaint.

In March, Sarnia unveiled a mural depicting the relationship between Sarnia-Lambton and The Council of Three Fires Confederacy; the Ojibway, Odawa, and Potawatomi people. The project included the $5,000 mural, a new wall honouring past mayors of the city and an interactive display about the leaders.

The art was part of Sarnia’s actions under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. It’s federal legislation which sets a national standard for reconciliation, and according to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities “fundamentally shifts how (municipalities) engage with Indigenous people, manage land use and deliver services.” 

Sarnia City/County Councillor Bill Dennis called it “woke” art and asked on social media; “Do you feel that this is a smart way to spend almost $5,000 of your tax dollars? This in my opinion is nothing more than virtue signalling by woke politicians who are out of touch with the vast majority of Sarnians.”

Aamjiwnaang Chief Janelle Nahmabin called out Dennis for continuing to divide people by race. Dennis said the chief was “terrified” he would become mayor because he would end the city’s push for more inclusion. “Screw the UN. Canada is Not on Stolen Land…when I become mayor it will be taken down and replaced with a huge Canadian flag.”

Walpole Island First Nation Chief Leela Thomas asked the Integrity Commissioner to investigate Dennis’ comments saying “This goes beyond offensive, it is a threat to the formal relationship that we have been striving to build over the years.”

Sarnia council also condemned Dennis’ attack on the artwork and the city’s adoption of the UNDRIP resolution toward reconciliation. It sought an apology. That didn’t happen.

In his report, Integrity Commissioner Benjamin M. Drory said he talked to Dennis’ lawyer, Philip Millar, who believes the councillor’s comments “fall within the scope of legitimate political expression and advocacy, including calls for transparency and accountability.”

Drory agreed. “It was a political argument meriting a political response – but they were not comments that infringed the Code of Conduct.”

Drory added council dealt with the issue; ” Councillor Dennis’ comments attracted a swift political response from the rest of council the following week – which is exactly in accordance with the way the system is supposed to work. Council called a special meeting to address his comments, and resulting evidence makes clear that the majority of council do not support Councillor Dennis’ views, and in fact find them repugnant.”

Drory admitted the complainant and the general public might not be satisfied with his decision but he, and council, have to act within the Code of Conduct system laid out in the Municipal Act.

But the Integrity Commissioner added this note to the report which will be on the Sarnia City Council agenda Monday.

“I have stated many times – and am doing so again – that the best response to distasteful political commentary is through the political process itself.

“I would like to alert both supporters and detractors of Councillor Dennis to the fact that the 2026 election is now shortly upon you. Neither I nor any Integrity Commissioner can influence who occupies municipal office nearly as much as the city’s residents can themselves through the electoral process… Elections carry consequences. Electors can decide for themselves whether they support or reject Councillor Dennis’ politics.”

For his part, Dennis, in a letter to media members highlighting the Integrity Commissioner’s report, called it a complete and total victory.

“During this process, I was called every name imaginable. There were demands that I apologize, resign, and even be removed from office. My wife and I were subjected to hateful messages, intimidation, and threats of violence simply because I expressed my political views. Through it all, I refused to be bullied into silence.

“I entered public service to ask difficult questions, challenge decisions I believe are wrong, and stand up for the people of Sarnia. That will never change.”