Garneau resigns from County of Brant Council, citing conflict between municipal duties and business interests

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

County of Brant Councillor Christine Garneau has announced her resignation from council, citing an “irreconcilable conflict” between her duties as an elected official and her professional responsibilities.

In an open letter posted online Friday, Garneau said her decision was made after careful consideration and reflects growing concerns about the impacts of Ontario’s expanded Strong Mayor Powers and the limitations she faced as a councillor.

“Yesterday, I was placed in an irreconcilable conflict between my duty to the municipality and what was in the best interests of my business,” Garneau wrote. “My decision is not made in haste, rather it is a well-considered outcome for reasons explained below.”

Garneau, who represented Ward 5, said she struggled with balancing her accountability to the municipality, constituents, business, and family.

“There remains too much time this term to continue without recalibration and I cannot risk my longer-term livelihood by serving out the balance of my time as councillor,” she wrote.

In her letter, Garneau said she had considered running for mayor in the next municipal election but ultimately decided to step away from council at this time. She noted that Council’s Code of Conduct prevented her from publicly speaking out against decisions she opposed.

“Council’s Code of Conduct also prevents members from speaking out against Council decisions after they are made and I am often among the dissenting voices,” she said. “This means that I must adopt and defend position statements that do not align with my personal convictions.”

In response to Garneau’s announcement, County of Brant Chief Administrative Officer Alison Newton issued a brief statement to the Paris Independent thanking Garneau for her service.

“The County of Brant thanks Ms. Garneau for her service to Council,” Newton said. “While correspondence has been received and we are aware that a public statement has been issued, a signed formal notice of resignation is required to proceed with the official process.”

Once the formal notice is received, the next step will take place at the October 28 Council meeting, when council must officially declare the seat vacant.

Under the Municipal Act, within 60 days of declaring a vacancy, council must either appoint a person to fill the seat or pass a by-law calling a by-election.

Garneau was one of three new councillors elected in 2022. She represented Ward 5, which includes the communities of Oakhill, Mt. Pleasant, the east side of Scotland, Oakland, Burtch, Cainsville, Newport, Langford, Onondaga, and Middleport.

She has been active in council discussions as recently as last week’s Planning Council meeting, and earlier this month submitted a notice of motion to bring forward a Municipal Construction Business Impact Policy for council’s consideration. The proposed policy aimed to formalize how the County supports businesses affected by major infrastructure projects, such as the ongoing Downtown Dig in Paris.

In her resignation letter, Garneau said she intends to remain engaged in the community and continue championing local initiatives.

“I remain grateful to the residents and property owners who placed their trust in me,” she wrote. “I intend to continue being present publicly and championing those initiatives that remain priorities for me, my family, my business, and our broader community.”