Province passes Bill 100; Region of Durham affirms the importance of elected leadership

The following statement is being issued on behalf of John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer for The Regional Municipality of Durham:

“Strong and resilient communities are built on trust, accountability and the belief that the people who live there should have a voice in the decisions that shape their future.

On May 7, the provincial government passed Bill 100, Better Regional Governance Act, 2026, which changes how the Regional Chair is selected—from being elected by residents to being appointed by the province.

By removing the public’s ability to elect the Regional Chair and replacing it with an appointment made by the Province, a critical link between residents and regional leadership is broken.

I am deeply disappointed by this decision. Democracy is strongest when leadership is earned through public trust, not granted by appointment. The people of Durham deserve the right to choose who represents them at the regional table—regardless of who that individual may be.

Elections matter. Local voices matter. And the future of our region should continue to be shaped by the people who call it home.”