Arthur has learned that at least one complaint has been made to Peterborough’s Integrity Commissioner, Guy Giorno, concerning Mayor Jeff Leal following the City Council general committee meeting on April 2nd during which Leal made threatening remarks toward Town Ward Councillor Alex Bierk.

A copy of the complaint obtained by Arthur notes that during Tuesday’s meeting Leal turned to Bierk while both microphones were off and told him that “he would carve him like a Thanksgiving turkey” for having earlier invoked Leal’s wife while speaking to a motion about the Bonnerworth Redevelopment project.

The complaint goes on to underscore the fact that “violent threats and intimidation are absolutely unacceptable.” The complaint also notes that such behaviour contravenes both the City’s Code of Conduct which states members of Council can not “use indecent, abusive or insulting words or expressions toward any other Member” as well as section 264.1 of the Canadian Criminal Code which outlines that a person has committed an offence if the “in any manner, knowingly utters, conveys or causes any person to receive a threat (a) to cause death or bodily harm to any person.”

According to the Code of Conduct, the Integrity Commissioner will report to Council in each case there is a complaint, unless it is their opinion that the complaint is “frivilous, vexatious or an abuse of process.” Following receipt of an Integrity Commissioner Report, Council may take actions allowable under the municipal act which includes a reprimand, or a suspension of remuneration and services for the member for up to 90 days. 

Additionally, the Integrity Commissioner may make recommendations including public apologies to Council members and/or the complainant and removal of committee chair positions and membership on local boards or committees.

In response to a request for comment from Arthur, Leal admitted that that he “used intemperate language” and that he wishes to apologize “to [his] colleagues, particularly Councillor Bierk, and to the citizens of Peterborough.”

However, the extent to which the Mayor has acted on this wish is questionable given Arthur has since learned that Bierk has not received a direct apology, nor spoken to Leal since Tuesday evening.

"It doesn't feel good," Bierk wrote via text message on Friday morning. "I have been giving the situation space. I have not received an apology."

Leal’s statement goes on to note that “husbands, wives, children, and partners are off limits when it comes to public debate. I thought that line was crossed last Tuesday. My words were ill chosen. I don’t regret responding, however I do regret the way in which I chose to respond.” 

The specific threat cited in the Integrity Commissioner Complaint was overheard by journalists in the press gallery and was reported on after having been confirmed by Arthur through phone and text conversations with several Peterborough Councillors, including Bierk, following the meeting. 

The threat followed from Bierk mentioning that Leal’s wife, Karan Leal, was going to “lend him a racket” so that he could try pickleball while speaking to the motion brought forward by Councillor Joy Lachica which would have asked staff to reconsider aspects of the redevelopment project at Bonnerworth, specifically the number of pickleball courts.

Leal interrupted Bierk stating “that’s not fair…don’t mention my wife’s name” while Bierk tried to walk back and contextualize his comments.

“I was trying to acknowledge the fact that I personally am very excited about pickleball,” Bierk said. “I go to the YMCA and I see them playing. I'd be interested in getting into it and I've talked to people that play about getting into it.”

As Bierk finished his remarks, Leal went on to state “you’re going to regret you ever said that” with his microphone turned off causing Bierk to call for a Point of Order and repeat what Leal had said. 

“I’ve said a few times that I take it back,” Bierk said before adding “I meant it in a positive way” as Councillor and Chair of the General Committee Andrew Beamer brought the meeting back to order.

Bierk would later share with Arthur that this comment was based on a recent conversation he had had with the Mayor’s wife during a community consultation event for the Bonnerworth Park redevelopment held on March 21st.

Beyond the personal anecdote shared by Bierk, Karan Leal’s affinity for pickleball has been written about publicly by former Peterborough Mayor Sylvia Sutherland in an October 2023 letter addressed to Jeff Leal published in the Peterborough Examiner.

In this letter, Sutherland wrote that Leal’s “campaign for pickleball courts” would be a boon for hospitality and retail sectors within the City and “would also satisfy a pent-up demand among local enthusiasts, one with whom I believe you co-habit. Karan (aka Mrs. Leal) is clearly a highly effective lobbyist, and we now have a plethora of pickleball courts coming to Bonnerworth park.”

On Tuesday, the motion to reconsider aspects of the redevelopment was defeated 8-3 and the decision will be ratified during the upcoming Council Meeting on April 8th.