Counsellor Harrison’s Apparent Conflict of Interest in Matters Pertaining to Picton Terminals

At Council’s meeting on December 9, 2025, I spoke in support of Counsellor Hirsch’s motion that Prince Edward County staff be requested:

1. to investigate and report back regarding the current state of the Sophiasburgh portion of Picton Terminals’ property, and
2. to request a response from the Ministry of Natural Resources advising how it has concluded that Picton Terminals is not operating a quarry.

I understood that Counsellor Harrison’s son is the owner of Drew Harrison Haulage Ltd. and has an ongoing business relationship with Picton Terminals. So my comments to Council included this appeal: “I also hope to hear tonight from Counsellor Harrison that, given his conflict of interest, he would be recusing himself from this part of the agenda”  (Videorecording of proceedings, starting 1:58:42).

During Council’s deliberations on the motion, Harrison remarked, “I’m just making a statement. The Integrity Commissioner has ruled on my situation and I will be voting”  (Videorecording of proceedings, starting 2:34:45).

Counsellor Hirsch’s motion carried 11-1 – with only Harrison voting to oppose the motion (Videorecording of proceedings, from 2:29:48 to 2:47:20).

Harrison’s assurances leave unclear whether he has received fresh advice from the Integrity Commissioner regarding his conflict of interest – or whether he is relying on a previous Integrity Commissioner’s ruling on February 19, 2025 re: similar complaints about Harrison’s conduct that Council received on March 11, 2025. At that meeting, I raised concerns about the Integrity Commissioner’s ruling – which seemed to run the risk of granting Harrison an evergreen excuse to carry on as he always has (Videorecording of proceedings, from 1:06:36 to 1:15:20).

On December 11, 2025, I filed a complaint with David Boghosian, the Integrity Commissioner for the County of Prince Edward, alleging that Harrison contravened the County’s Council Code of Conduct and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act (MCIA) when he participated in the discussion of and voted on Counsellor Hirsch’s motion.

The Council Code of Conduct states:

“As an elected official, Members of Council are expected to perform their duties of office with integrity, accountability and transparency. Members of Council should not use the status of their position to influence the decision of another individual to the private advantage of oneself, or one’s parents, children or spouse, staff members, friends, or associates, business or otherwise. Furthermore, no member of Council shall use the influence of his or her office for any purpose other than for the lawful exercise of his or her official duties and for municipal purpose.” – Section 7 – Improper Use of Influence

The Municipal Conflict of Interest Act states:

“For the purposes of this Act, the pecuniary interest, direct or indirect, of a parent or the spouse or any child of the member shall, if known to the member, be deemed to be also the pecuniary interest of the member.” – s. 3

“Where a member, either on his or her own behalf or while acting for, by, with or through another, has any pecuniary interest, direct or indirect, in any matter and is present at a meeting of the council or local board at which the matter is the subject of consideration, the member,

(a) shall, prior to any consideration of the matter at the meeting, disclose the interest and the general nature thereof;

(b) shall not take part in the discussion of, or vote on any question in respect of the matter; and

(c) shall not attempt in any way whether before, during or after the meeting to influence the voting on any such question.” – s. 5(1)

“Where a member, either on his or her own behalf or while acting for, by, with or through another, has any pecuniary interest, direct or indirect, in any matter that is being considered by an officer or employee of the municipality or local board, or by a person or body to which the municipality or local board has delegated a power or duty, the member shall not use his or her office in any way to attempt to influence any decision or recommendation that results from consideration of the matter.” – s. 5.2(1)

The Integrity Commissioner has acknowledged receipt of my complaint about Harrison and promises to be in touch shortly.

Meanwhile, I urge anyone with similar concerns about Harrison to contact the Integrity Commissioner (email: dgb@boglaw.ca). You may request that your communications be kept confidential.