FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 4, 2025
Argyle Council Approves Independent Review on Allegations of Conflict of Interest.
Municipal Council received allegations of breaches of conduct under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. Councillors, existing and former employees were named in these allegations. The allegations were submitted by residents of Argyle, who expressed opposition to the process of the Aquaculture Development Area, or ADA.
Council believes in the importance of maintaining trust, honesty and integrity within its entire electorate. Deputy Warden Ted Saulnier says, “We believe an independent review of these allegations is the right approach, because our integrity is being questioned. All residents deserve a proper assessment and answer”. An independent lawyer will undertake this review and bring their conclusions to light.
The process shall be led by an independent lawyer and will investigate all allegations of current council and staff. Former staff and former council members are not subject to any investigation under Section 12 of the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.
Municipal representatives named in these allegations have not participated in the decision-making process.
Council is committed to the findings of the investigation and will not provide further comment until its conclusion.
The ADA is a provincial project that identified and pre-assessed 52 sites in Lobster Bay for the development of oyster or marine plant aquaculture. The 6-year process involved the municipality, and they co-led consultation with key stakeholders, including industry, environmental groups and fishermen. The ADA objective was to shorten the application time for these sites and encourage local entrepreneurs to the industry.
Media Contacts:
Deputy Warden Ted Saulnier
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Kyle Boudreau, Director of Operational Services
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For more information on the Aquaculture Development Area project, please contact the Province of Nova Scotia.