A Chatham-Kent municipal councillor is speaking out against a proposed provincial bill that could remove elected people from their positions.
Michael Bondy brought forward a motion at CK council's Monday meeting asking for a letter to be sent to the Ontario government condemning recently announced changes to the Municipal Accountability Act. The changes have not been approved at this time.
He specifically has issue with creating a removal process for elected officials that don't follow the municipal code of conduct.
"I don't believe that bureaucrats, unelected people should be able to un-elect people who have been elected," said Bondy.
The removal process would need recommendations from the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario and the municipal integrity commissioner as well as a unanimous vote from council.
Bondy is worried people could try to get rid of someone who doesn't share the same opinion.
He did note he understands why people want something like this in place.
"If somebody is incredibly disruptive, it's happened before, they can be removed from, in our case, the chamber and can join via Zoom," Bondy added.
He also believes this wouldn't work with someone who breaks the law.
The proposed letter is scheduled to be discussed at council's meeting on March 3, 2025.
Bondy said the letter is only meant for the Ford government since they proposed the changes. If another party wins the upcoming provincial election, he plans on removing his motion.