Mayor's statement regarding the September 16 Integrity Commissioner Report

We all share a responsibility to get the details right, to respect the processes that govern us, and to ensure that every decision we make stands up to scrutiny. 

When a presenter came before Council, I misread the circumstances, and I did not meet that responsibility.  

While no decisions were being made in information sessions, I recognize that I should have declared my pecuniary interest and recused myself from them.   

I regret that I did not.   

I accept full responsibility for that error. I hold deep respect for the procedures that guide our work, and I know they exist to safeguard the integrity of our decisions. I respect the position this has placed Council in, and the responsibility you carry to determine how to proceed.  

I apologize to Council, to staff, and to our community.  

While it was never my intention to create doubt or distraction, I recognize that intention is not enough. I’m accountable.   

I share that I have served as a public servant in municipal government for 30 years before I was elected. I have served as a school board trustee for 10 years, a Town Councillor for 10 years, and finally, as Mayor for the past 15 years.  

I remain proud of the work we are doing together to guide East Gwillimbury through a period of tremendous growth. I remain committed to transparency, fairness, and service and I remain grateful for the trust our residents place in us to make the right choices on their behalf.

Thank you.

Mayor Virginia Hackson