Haldimand County mayor found guilty by integrity commissioner

The mayor of Haldimand County has been found guilty by Haldimand’s integrity commissioner for violating the municipality’s Code of Conduct during the 2025 election.

The commissioner found Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley responsible for leaking confidential emails aimed at discrediting Norfolk Mayor Amy Martin, who was running in this year’s provincial election.

According to the Haldimand Press, the leak was submitted anonymously to a public Facebook group just before the election, which contained “sensitive documents tied to a contentious health unit merger.”

The integrity commissioner has recommended a 120 day suspension and a public apology, citing violations of Haldimand’s Code of Conduct.

A county official says the commissioner’s report will be formally considered at the next Haldimand council meeting, set for Sept. 22.

Last year, Bentley was charged with four offences of violating the Municipal Elections Act, which involved her allegedly mishandling her campaign’s contributions and expenditures during the election.

The Haldimand Press reports that she pleaded guilty to the offences last August, and was ordered to pay the suggested fine of $7,000.

With files from The Haldimand Press.

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