The Haldimand–Norfolk Progressive Conservative Association has issued a strong statement following the release of the Ontario Integrity Commissioner’s report on Haldimand Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley.
The report found Bentley breached Haldimand County’s Code of Conduct on multiple occasions by leaking confidential Board of Health merger emails.
According to the findings, Bentley disclosed documents for political gain, shared them with the Hamilton Spectator, and later posted them on her official mayoral Facebook page—despite legal advice that the records were confidential.
The Commissioner also raised concerns about Haldimand–Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady, who initially agreed to cooperate but later invoked Parliamentary Privilege after hiring an Ottawa lawyer, a move described as “deeply frustrating” for residents.
PC Association President Phil Hauser said these actions undermined public trust, adding: “Public service is about trust. When confidentiality is breached, and when leaders decline to answer questions by invoking privilege, that trust is broken. Residents deserve transparency, not excuses,”
The Association reaffirmed its commitment to accountability.
Brady responded to this in a recent column, which you can read more about here.