Statement by Mayor Leal - May 29, 2025

I acknowledge that the Integrity Commissioner has completed his report, and I will accept Council’s decision on this matter.

I appreciate that his report fully exonerates me of the most egregious and false conflict-of-interest allegations that my family and I have been subjected to over the last year.

I acknowledge his findings related to my interactions with Councillors Bierk and Lachica on the nights of April 2 and April 8, 2024. My comments were made in the heat of the moment, during the most hostile meeting environments I have experienced in all my years of public service. I regret my comments, and I apologized to both Councillors last year.

I will recuse myself from the Chamber when my colleagues discuss the Integrity Commissioner’s report, and will accept their recommendations.

I have been working in partnership with all members of Peterborough City Council, and will continue to do so for the benefit of our community.