HALDIMAND—A major shakeup hit Haldimand County just ahead of the Canada Day weekend – and it came with no warning.
In a Friday morning announcement, the County confirmed the immediate dismissal of Chief Administrative Officer Cathy Case, who had served in the role since June 2023. The decision was made under Section 284.6 (2) of the Municipal Act, which gives strong mayor powers to unilaterally hire or fire a CAO and other County staff members.
“Effective June 27, 2025, Cathy Case is no longer serving as Chief Administrative Officer,” the County’s statement read. “At this time, no interim CAO has been appointed. Members of the senior management team will rotate in the role on a weekly basis.”
As of press time, there was no public explanation from Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley on her reasonings for firing Case.
At 9:40 a.m. on June 30, Bentley told The Press she would call back at 3:30 p.m. that afternoon for an interview about the dismissal. She did not call back, and a subsequent call to her number was eventually sent to voicemail.
Councillors say they were blindsided by the announcement.
“I was shocked to find out that Cathy had been fired by the mayor, using her strong mayor’s power,” Ward 2 Councillor John Metcalfe wrote in a Facebook post. “This has demoralized staff and only satisfied in my mind a witch hunt. I am personally appalled by this, and so are the residents that have also contacted me.”
Ward 5 Councillor Rob Shirton said the firing came without warning.
“I was totally surprised,” said Shirton. “Council was totally not consulted. There was no heads up. No nothing.”
Shirton said the decision created a gap in leadership: “We’re going to need somebody at the helm.”
Ward 6 Councillor Patrick O’Neill was also shocked by the termination, especially after Case had recently completed a glowing performance assessment.
“There was no issues brought up whatsoever,” O’Neill said. “She had also recently put together a strategic plan for the County that has been long overdue, as well as a new structuring of how the departments will work and making things much more efficient, bringing on a brand new department.”
He added, “She had two really huge, huge projects that were just getting on their feet. And now she’s not there to execute. So it really, really came as a surprise and a shock. It’s very, very disappointing for the County and for the residents of Haldimand.”
O’Neill and Ward 3 Councillor Dan Lawrence said no reason for the termination has been shared with Council members.
“I have asked Mayor Bentley for details as to why she took it upon herself to fire our highly respected CAO and I have not received a reply,” Lawrence shared, noting he would welcome a special meeting to discuss the decision. “Based on the facts known to date, this firing is extremely cruel, irresponsible, and a flagrant abuse of the new powers Mayor Bentley asked for after flip flopping on the very subject of strong mayors powers.”
“Cathy Case is a highly respected CAO, not just in Haldimand but among her peers throughout Ontario. It’s unimaginable how Mayor Bentley could fire someone three days away from earning her full pension for 30-plus-years of outstanding service,” he added. “I can’t imagine every taxpayer of Haldimand not being furious over such a colossal waste of taxpayer dollars that may very well amount to over $1 million after paying severance costs, costs of rehiring, and no doubt litigation.”
According to Case’s LinkedIn profile, she worked her way up at Haldimand County through previous roles such as the General Manager of Corporate & Social Services (November 2018 – June 2023), Manager of Support Services (June 2003 – November 2018), and Office Manager Community Services Department (2001 – 2003).
O’Neill also raised concerns about how the use of strong mayor powers is shaping local governance in general.
“This isn’t sitting well with people,” he said. “Not only this, but also the decision to take strong mayor powers. Both were done unilaterally, without any consultation from Council or the public. If that doesn’t sit well with you, reach out to your councillors or the mayor directly. Make your voice heard.”
He said a cake was reportedly brought to the mayor’s office following the firing.
“From what I’ve heard, yes, it has been confirmed to be true,” said O’Neill. “That’s pretty disgusting.”
Mayor Bentley, Councillor Debera McKeen, and Councillor Brad Adams did not respond to requests for comment by our press deadline. The Press will follow up on this issue as details emerge; information available for this story was limited due to the holiday.
