A retired police officer in Clarington, Ontario, says he received a voicemail containing violent threats, warning him to stay out of local politics.
Tom Dingwall told CTV National News the 39-second message included threats against both him and his wife.
Councillor Identified as Caller
The caller reportedly identified herself as Corinna Traill, a long-serving councillor in Clarington.
Dingwall said she instructed him to support rival candidate Joe Neal and threatened to visit his home if he pursued a mayoral bid.
Former Homicide Detective Alarmed
Dingwall, who previously served as a homicide detective with Durham Regional Police, described the message as alarming. He decided to report the incident to authorities to ensure his family’s safety.
Audio Verification
He played the voicemail for a CTV journalist to confirm the contents but did not release an audio copy because the case is under investigation by Peterborough Police.
The number used to send the message was linked to Traill in Dingwall’s contacts.
Concerns About Unpredictable Behavior
“When people act irrationally, they can be unpredictable, and unpredictable behavior can be dangerous,” Dingwall said. “I’m not willing to take that risk with my family.”
Councillor’s Background
Traill has served on Clarington council since 2010 and was previously a lawyer specializing in human rights, employment, and family law. Her work has included advocating for affordable housing and LGBTQ2S+ rights.
Statement From Traill
In an email to CTV News, Traill called the incident an “unfortunate circumstance” and said she is “doing what I can to work through it” while looking forward to resolving the matter.
Mayor Addresses Community Concerns
Mayor Adrian Foster of Clarington expressed concern about the growing toxic behavior in local politics. “It’s distracting and harmful to the democratic process,” he said.
Impact on Municipal Politics
Foster noted that such incidents can discourage qualified candidates from running for office, potentially reducing voter engagement. “We want people to run, but this behavior should not be tolerated,” he added.
Need for Safety Measures
The mayor emphasized that all candidates and councillors should feel safe while participating in municipal governance.
Call for Accountability
Dingwall has called for Traill to step down until the matter is resolved, citing concerns for public trust and safety.
Public Reaction
Since Dingwall shared the incident on social media, residents and other officials have voiced their concern about the impact of harassment on civic life.
Historical Context
Clarington is not alone in experiencing misconduct among local officials. Previous cases in Pickering and Ottawa have highlighted issues of harassment and discrimination.
Municipal Oversight Limitations
Currently, councillors can face temporary pay reductions for misconduct but cannot be removed from office outright.
Bill 9 Proposed
Ontario’s Bill 9, the Municipal Accountability Act, seeks to allow councils to remove members following a provincial integrity commissioner’s recommendation.
Support for Bill 9
Mayor Foster supports the legislation, calling it a necessary step to ensure ethical behavior and accountability among councillors.
Criticism of Bill 9
Critics argue the law sets a high threshold for removal, requiring a unanimous council vote, which could limit its effectiveness.
Upcoming Debate
Bill 9 is expected to be debated in the Ontario legislature this fall, with the potential to reshape municipal governance standards.
Implications for Council
The Dingwall case has sparked debate on how councils should handle misconduct and harassment by elected officials.
Political Climate in Clarington
The incident highlights the increasingly tense atmosphere in Clarington’s local politics as the municipal election approaches next year.
Protecting Public Trust
Officials stress that maintaining trust between residents and elected representatives is crucial for a healthy democracy.
Ensuring Candidate Safety
Steps are being considered to provide better protection for individuals running for public office and their families.
Long-Term Reforms
Observers say the incident underscores the need for stronger oversight, clear ethical guidelines, and consequences for misconduct in municipal government.
Community Call to Action
Residents and council members alike are encouraged to support measures that strengthen accountability and ensure safe, respectful political participation.
