Welland city councillor Graham Speck faced disciplinary action after a heated council meeting on August 11, 2026. Speck was first sanctioned for making a profane remark directed at fellow councillor Jim Larouche, and then was removed from the chamber after swearing at Mayor Frank Campion.
The incident occurred during a debate over a proposed development project. According to meeting minutes and eyewitness reports, Speck used an expletive while addressing Larouche, prompting a formal censure motion that passed by a majority vote. Shortly after, Speck directed another profanity at the mayor, leading to his removal from the meeting by the integrity commissioner.
Mayor Campion said in a statement, "This behaviour is unacceptable and does not reflect the standards we hold for elected officials." The censure motion included a formal apology requirement and a 30-day suspension from committee assignments.
Speck has not publicly commented on the sanctions. The city's integrity commissioner is expected to release a full report within two weeks.
