‘I should be able to say what I want’: Sarnia Coun. Dennis decries special meeting to address ‘very distasteful’ comments

A council meeting has been called following comments Coun. Bill Dennis made about Indigenous artwork at city hall. Bryan Bicknell reports.

Sarnia City Coun. Bill Dennis, who is no stranger to controversy, has found himself on the hotseat once again - this time for comments he made about a new mural unveiled inside Sarnia City Hall.

A council meeting has been called to address the fallout of what some believe were offensive remarks in relation to the Indigenous artwork.

“It is beautiful,” said local resident Linda, who came to city hall Monday to see the mural for herself.

Unveiled last week, the artwork cost taxpayers $12,500, including the commission itself, along with work associated with its installation.

Dennis wrote on social media “this in my opinion is nothing more than virtue signaling by woke politicians who are out of touch with the majority of Sarnians.”

It’s these comments that set off a firestorm, including back-and-forth exchanges between Dennis and a number of groups condemning his remarks.

Reached while on vacation in Florida, Dennis tells CTV News he’s not backing down.

“Worst council Sarnia has had in quite some time. It’s the farthest left council Sarnia has ever had. And I’m the most conservative councillor Sarnia has ever had. So, it makes for a bad combination. And I’m simply not going to be subject to…it’s been eight against one for the last four years almost,” he said.

Amjiwinaang First Nation Chief Janelle Nahmabin declined CTV News’ interview request, citing prior commitments, but she did speak out on social media directly to Dennis, saying “the race division you continuously perpetuate resolves nothing.”

Dennis defended his comments, insisting he’s not a racist.

“I can’t speak my mind, I can’t be an art critic, I can’t voice my opinion. I’m an elected official, I should be able to say what I want,” he said.

A special Sarnia Council meeting has been called for Tuesday. It will address Dennis’s comments. Mayor Mike Bradley says it comes as the city works to build relationships with First Nations neighbours.

“The meeting was called by council. They petitioned for it. Five members of council, and they wanted to respond to these comments, which they found very distasteful. And that’s what the meeting’s about. It’ll be a difficult meeting, but I think there’ll be a strong message from this council, the councillor’s comments were unacceptable in any context, whether they are email or in person,” Bradley said.

Bradley says Dennis could face reprimand, an integrity commissioner investigation, or a human rights complaint. Dennis tells CTV News he won’t be attending the meeting.

As for Linda, she’s disappointed it’s come to this.

“It’s unfortunate. We’re supposed to invite everybody to come, so there should be no prejudice whatsoever,” she said.