Integrity Commissioner recommends long salary freeze for Bill Dennis

Once again, Sarnia’s Integrity Commissioner found that Bill Dennis violated the City Council’s Code of Conduct.

The latest finding was the result of an investigation launched after the March 11 council meeting, which was adjourned early following an outburst of anger from the city/county council.

In the investigation report, which will be presented to the council at its next meeting, Benjamin Drory said he found that Dennis had treated other council members with blatant disrespect and had failed to follow the city’s rules of conduct for official meetings.

The 60-page report, which also includes several social media posts from Dennis, recommends suspending his pay for 45 days.

Drory’s recommendation is well above the proposed two-day suspension for a similar incident in October 2023.

“I believe that a significantly more severe corrective action is appropriate in this matter,” Drory said in the report. “Councillor Dennis’s breaches of decorum on March 11, 2024 were serious, and it was not the first time that similar conduct had been observed from Councillor Dennis.”

The integrity commissioner said he was also concerned about some of Dennis’ comments on the matter after the investigation began, citing comments and posts on social media.

If the Commissioner finds that a Council member has actually violated the Code of Conduct, the Council may reprimand the member or order a suspension of remuneration for up to 90 days.

The Council will decide whether or not to discipline Council Member Dennis during its regular meeting on Monday, July 8.