I have been clear in my opposition to Ontario’s Strong Mayor Powers, and my position has not changed.
I believe Pembroke is best served by a collaborative and democratic Council where decisions are discussed openly and made collectively by the people residents elected to represent them.
Strong Mayor Powers came into effect in Pembroke on May 1, 2025, as per the provincial regulation Ontario Regulation 41/25. Since then, the City has published 25 formal Mayoral Decisions under these powers.
As Mayor, I will take a different approach.
I will delegate back to Council the Strong Mayor powers that provincial legislation allows me to delegate. Where the law assigns specific responsibilities directly to the Mayor, I will carry them out transparently and collaboratively, with Council involved in the discussion from the beginning.
I will not use Strong Mayor Powers as a shortcut around Council, to silence disagreement, or to replace the collective decision-making residents should expect from their municipal government.
Every member of Council is elected by the people of Pembroke. Every Councillor brings different experiences, ideas and perspectives to the table. A good Mayor should bring those voices together — not make them less important.
There will be disagreements. There should be. Healthy debate leads to better decisions, however my role as Mayor will be to lead the Council, build consensus and help seven elected representatives work together in the best interests of Pembroke.
I believe leadership is strongest when it brings people together.
One Mayor. Seven elected voices. One Council working for Pembroke. That is the best course of action for building a community for everyone.
Brian Abdallah
September 6, 2026