City of Cornwall Seeks Court Direction on Municipal Elections Act Matter

The City of Cornwall has filed a reference application with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, seeking a necessary answer to a question concerning the application of the Municipal Elections Act (the “Act”).

The question relates to a concern raised with City election staff in 2026, dealing with the non-filing of an auditor’s report by Councillor Sarah Good in respect of the 2022 election.

The Act sets out automatic penalties that apply in the event of a default by a candidate, including that the individual is ineligible to run for council until after the next election. The reference question the City seeks an answer to is whether or not there has been a default.

Given that this case could affect election eligibility, the City looks forward to receiving direction in a fair and independent manner from the Court reference.

“The City administration has an obligation to remain impartial and to protect the integrity of the municipal election process and intends to follow the direction of the Court,” said Tim Mills, Chief Administrative Officer.

The short reference will be heard on Friday, October 2 at 1:00 p.m. In the meantime, the City will continue to administer the 2026 municipal election.

• Ms. Good was elected to City Council in 2022. Following the election, she filed a campaign finance statement, which was accepted by the City.
• On August 20, 2026, Councillor Good filed nomination papers to run for Mayor in the 2026 municipal election, which Election staff certified the nomination the same day, based on supporting documentation, and 2022 election records.
• On August 21, 2026, a concern was brought forward regarding the completeness of Ms. Good's 2022 campaign financial filing. Before that time, City staff were not aware that there was a question about the 2022 filing.
•  After a review by staff, internal legal counsel, and external legal counsel, given the complexity and the need for impartiality, City staff decided to seek the reference direction.
• Ms. Good remains a certified candidate while the reference is considered by the Court.

“The City remains committed to a fair, transparent, and accountable process,” said Mills. “While the reference question is before the Court, it would be inappropriate for the City to comment further, other than to indicate that the City looks forward to the Court’s answer. An update will be provided once the Court has issued its decision.