Bradley and Dennis exchange barbs over new legislation allowing municipal councillors to be turfed

(L-R) Sarnia Coun. Bill Dennis and Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley speak to CTV News over Zoom on May 27, 2026. (File)

Sarnia’s mayor says new provincial legislation clearing the way to remove municipal councillors facing serious conduct violations from office isn’t going to work.

Mike Bradley tells CTV News that the legislation is merely a weak step forward.

“Well, the general idea behind this legislation, behind this idea, is good. However, the execution is not going to work,” he said.Bradley has pushed for the legislation for almost a year.

Through letter-writing campaigns, he demanded municipalities are granted enhanced abilities to remove concerning councillors.

But the measures the province has come up with fall short, he contends.

“You need a simple majority, because I guarantee you, and I believe it would happen in Sarnia, that if there was a move to remove someone, there would be obstructionists linked to those individuals, and that’s not right. The last four years, we have one individual who’s hijacked every meeting,” he said.

Bradley is referring to Sarnia Coun. Bill Dennis, who was banned from taking part in person in city council meetings in 2025. The move followed an investigation which found he breached harassment and violence policies.

Most recently, Dennis has also been accused of offensive commentary towards local Indigenous groups.

Bradley said it was the “hijacking” of council meetings that drove his effort to get the province to create the legislation.

But Dennis - who is running for mayor – dubbed Bradley a hypocrite in an interview with CTV News.

At the same time, he also acknowledged his own ability to stir the political pot.

“I’m disappointed they didn’t name the bill after me,” he said.

Dennis says he is not a fan of Bill 9 as presented but believes it is a better alternative than what Bradley has proposed.

“I’m glad it must be unanimous. I don’t think it would have been right to have somebody that is not connected to the community make this decision,” he said.

Dennis contends he would never vote to remove a colleague from council – even one he opposes politically – unless criminal activity was involved.

Meanwhile, Bradley, who has not announced whether he’ll seek re-election, contends the province has failed to give local politicians the tools they need to head off a wave of “radical” change.

“My prediction, unfortunately, watching what is happening with candidates across the province, I’m seeing these sorts of right-wing, extreme groups, trying to take over local councils, and I think that’s going to get worse as we head into this election,” he said.