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Calandra moves ahead with bill to fire Haldimand County trustee despite his resignation, to make sure he won't return to office soon

Calandra’s office confirmed that the section of the bill calling for Watson’s resignation will likely be amended now that he has already left office. But Calandra said the legislation will remain active to ensure accountability if Watson attempts to seek reappointment or run for trustee again.

Published Oct 24, 2025 at 9:26pm

Barbara Patrocinio

Calandra moves ahead with bill to fire Haldimand County trustee despite his resignation, to make sure he won't return to office soon

Ontario Minister of Education Paul Calandra visits students in the classroom at École Catholique Pape-François school in Stouffville, Ont., Friday, May 2, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Ontario’s Minister of Education Paul Calandra says he will move forward with legislation that aims to fire a Haldimand County school trustee even though he announced his resignation to make sure that he won’t be able to return to public office any time soon.

The Respect for Taxpayers Act (Haldimand County Trustee Vacancy), 2025 was introduced earlier this week to remove Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board trustee Mark Watson, who was among four trustees who took a $45,000 trip to Italy to purchase $100,000 worth of artwork for the board.

Although Watson stepped down, Calandra said the government will keep the bill on the order paper and move ahead with amendments to prevent him from holding public office again.

Calandra moves ahead with bill to fire Haldimand County trustee despite his resignation, to make sure he won't return to office soon

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