“You Don’t Get to Rewrite History — Especially When I Was There”

There’s a line in public life you don’t cross. Not policy. Not politics. History. Because when you start rewriting history to suit a narrative, you’re not leading anymore — you’re managing perception. And in Clarington, that’s exactly what’s happening. Let’s Be Very Clear — I Was There I’m not commenting from the outside. I was: - The Regional Councillor when the Clarington Board of Trade was created - The Mayor of Clarington who worked directly with it So when I hear statements that don’t align with reality — I’m not guessing. I’m correcting the record. The Claim That Needs to Be Shut Down The suggestion that the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce was offered the opportunity to provide these services is not just misleading. It’s false. And Now It’s Being Repeated Public commentary has suggested this was a competitive or open opportunity. That did not occur. Not formally. Not informally. Not procedurally. What Actually Happened Under the previous council — including Mayor Diane Hamre: - The Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce was not recognized as representing Clarington businesses - They were not permitted to be referenced in Council chambers in that capacity How the Board of Trade Was Actually Created - Clarington lost its Economic Development Officer - A Mayor’s Task Force was struck - CAO Bill Stockwell stated: “Business sells to business better than government sells to business.” We created the Board of Trade as a targeted tool. Its first Chair was Mike Patrick of the Bowmanville Foundry — a respected business owner who was chosen for a reason, not by accident. Another Myth When I became Mayor: - I recognized the Chamber’s support for nuclear projects - But I never opened the door for them to replace the Board of Trade The model was already working. What the Board of Trade Was Meant to Do - Business Retention - Business-to-Business Engagement The Current Model Works - Board of Trade = retention - Municipality = growth This Is About Accountability This isn’t about opinion. It’s about record. If a statement is made publicly — by anyone, including the current mayor — that contradicts how decisions were actually made… It deserves to be corrected. Factually. Final Reality Check The Board of Trade: - Was created intentionally - Was not the result of an open competition - Has a defined role I have no issue with it. Mr. X Takeaway Accountability starts with the truth. And the truth doesn’t change just because the narrative does.