Port Hope police board member was suspended without pay for six months on August 28, 2026 after the board concluded he repeatedly breached its conflict‑of‑interest rules while attempting to arrange a firearms purchase for his employer, Ontario Power Generation. The disciplinary action was taken by the Port Hope Police Board following an internal review of the member’s conduct.
The board member, who is employed by Ontario Power Generation, sought to broker a firearms deal on behalf of the utility. That effort conflicted with the ethics standards that govern members of the police board, which prohibit using the position to influence procurement or other business matters for personal or employer benefit. The board found that the member ignored these policies on multiple occasions, prompting the six‑month suspension.
The suspension, effective immediately, removes the member from board duties and eliminates his remuneration for the period. The decision underscores the board’s commitment to enforce its conflict‑of‑interest policy and maintain public confidence in the oversight of local policing. Ontario Power Generation has not released a statement regarding the incident, and the police board has not indicated any further actions beyond the suspension. The case serves as a reminder of the strict separation required between municipal police oversight roles and private sector interests, particularly in matters involving law‑enforcement equipment.
No criminal charges have been filed, and the board member’s status with Ontario Power Generation remains unchanged pending any internal review by the utility. The Port Hope Police Board said it will continue to monitor compliance with its ethics guidelines and will take additional measures if future violations occur.
