Ed. Note: Over the past weekend, County resident Al Brosseau posted a comment on a June 19 Globe and Mail comment by Tony Keller entitled, Trump’s Iran Strategy: Is it TACO or FOMO? 

Mr. Brosseau suggested that Mayor Steve Ferguson should be included in a dream jail cell along with the world’s dictators — Trump, Netanyahu, Putin, Kim Jong Un, and “the Hamas boss.” Mr. Brosseau then posted the comment to social media, and emailed it to Mr. Ferguson for good measure. Here, the Mayor responds. 

Slander Disguised  as Free Speech Erodes Democracy 

Freedom of speech is the bedrock of any functioning democracy. In the political arena, critique and  disagreement are not only expected, but they are also necessary. But let me be crystal clear: mean spirited, personal slander disguised as free speech—especially when delivered anonymously or  while hiding behind the veil of social media—all too often crosses the line from civic participation  into targeted harassment. 

Online attacks directed toward me, members of Council, and municipal staff have been deeply  troubling. It is one thing to disagree with Council decisions or staff’s performance, it is another to  vilify individuals with defamatory and malicious comments, turning policy disputes into personal  assaults. This behaviour undermines the very spirit of community integrity and civic respect we  claim to uphold. 

The vicious comment made by Wellington On The Lake resident Al Brosseau in the Globe and Mail on Friday, June 20, 2025 (and available to The Globe’s on-line subscribers, of which I am one), and  circulated to his email address list, is a case in point — a disgusting and stark example of how  personal animosity can evolve into public cruelty—disparaging, untrue, and unbecoming of civil  discourse. 

What concerns me particularly is the long-term impact this type of behaviour has on our  democracy. I attended a packed convention hall with 500-600 municipal officials from across the country last week, and what I am feeling now, is what everyone in the room has felt as a public official. I will no longer be silent on this crucial issue of civic discourse.

What intelligent, committed, or community-minded individual would willingly step into  public service if the cost of participating in Council—of serving this County as an employee, or  volunteering to sit on a committee — is to be subjected to personal attacks, professional smearing,  and social media slander?

We cannot allow disagreement to mutate into character assassination.  We cannot let toxic discourse silence good leadership. 

Let this be a moment of reflection. Passionate debate is welcome. Accountability is essential. But  those values mean nothing if they are drowned out by hostility, falsehoods, and cruelty. We must do  better. As your Mayor, I remain committed to representing this community with integrity,  transparency, and resolve — no matter how loud the few become.

Mayor Steve Ferguson, Prince Edward County