We greatly value the New Tecumseth community and we strive to maintain and uphold

the core values of the community. The Water Application, brought before the Town
sought to ensure that the communities of Briar Hill and Green Briar are able to connect
to Town water in the event of an emergency. We commend the Town in its
determination that it is obligated to provide this service to our communities However,
this determination took time and we believed this to be a requirement by the Town. Our
initiative and intention was simply to ensure and protect the rights of our residents. We
are and always have been committed to the safety of the residents of Green Briar and
Briar Hill.

The Municipal Conflict of Interest Act permits ordinary citizens to challenge the conduct
of a councillor when a councillor falls below the standard dictated by the nature of their
role. In the course of fulfilling their elected duties and responsibilities, Members of
Council shall treat every person with diplomacy, tact and objectivity and shall
demonstrate respect. Members of Council make a declaration of office under oath in
which they promise, among other things, to truly, faithfully and impartially exercise the
office to the best of their knowledge and ability.

We questioned the appropriateness of Ms. Sainsbury’s conduct as we believed that she

sought to influence the Town to vote against the Water Application and brought an
application before the Court in this regard. While we respect the decision of the Court,
we disagree with the Judge’s determination. Once a councillor considers whether they
have a conflict, the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act requires that the councillor refrain
from attempting to influence the vote. A councillor is not permitted to contact other
councillors and instruct them to vote against an issue. Councillor Sainsbury did not
dispute the majority of facts detailed in sworn Affidavits.

We further sought to present the Judge with new evidence regarding Ms. Sainsbury’s
conduct which occurred on May 7, 2018. However, the Judge ruled that she would not
determine whether Ms. Sainsbury had a conflict with respect to this particular incident.
We have appealed the decision. We have also filed a new application to specifically
address the May 7, 2018 deputation. We will be considering all options available to us
as we continue to protect the rights of the silent majority of our residents and ensure
councillors actions are consistent with the Declaration of Office and fulfillment of the
responsibilities of the Office to which they have been elected.

Biffis and Lombardi Families