Province Removes Council From Office in Northern Ontario Town After Months of Discord

Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Government House Leader Paul Calandra speaks to reporters in Toronto, on Sept. 7, 2023. The Canadian Press/Spencer Colby

A six-month municipal strike, legal battles, and a council meeting boycott have prompted the province to oust the mayor and council in a northern Ontario municipality.

Municipal Affairs Minister Paul Calandra ordered the Black River-Matheson mayor and council to vacate their seats this week, effectively forcing a byelection in this town of 2,400 located roughly 50 minutes west of Timmins.