Quesnel Mayor Wins Court Battle Over Censure in Residential School Book Dispute

The mayor of Quesnel, B.C., Ron Paull, has successfully challenged his censure in court after he was sanctioned by city council over a controversial book about residential schools.

A B.C. Supreme Court ruling on Monday found that the process leading to Paull’s censure and removal from committees last April was procedurally unfair due to insufficient notice and unclear allegations. The court has ordered that the resolutions against him be overturned, paving the way for his reinstatement to official roles.

"I'm happy that this is all coming to an end and now I look forward to getting back to the pressing work that I was elected to do," Paull told CBC News, adding that the controversy had negatively impacted his health.

Background: Book Controversy Sparks Community Backlash

The dispute began in March 2024, when Lhtako Dene First Nation accused a relative of a city councillor of distributing the book Grave Error: How the Media Misled Us (and the Truth about Residential Schools). The book, which challenges mainstream accounts of residential schools, was condemned by Lhtako Dene leaders for minimizing the harm inflicted on Indigenous children.

Paull’s wife was later revealed to have given the book to a community member, and Paull himself brought a copy to a local government meeting.

On April 2, 2024, community members marched to city council chambers to voice their opposition. Lhtako Dene leadership announced they would no longer work with Paull, leading council to explore sanctions against him.

Legal Dispute: Unclear Process Led to Court Victory

Paull recused himself from the April 30, 2024 meeting, where council ultimately censured him and removed him from multiple committees.

However, Paull later argued in court that:

• He was not properly notified of the meeting, as per council rules.

• The motion to censure him was vague and lacked specific misconduct allegations.

• He had not explicitly waived his right to advance notice, despite an email agreeing to the meeting date.

The city, meanwhile, claimed that Paull’s email constituted a waiver of his rights.

Court Ruling: Council’s Actions Were Procedurally Unfair

Justice Hugh Veenstra ruled in Paull’s favour, quashing the censure and committee removals, stating that the council’s actions were based on an ambiguous and confusing staff report.

"It appears to me that the actions of Council in this case are more likely attributable to a confusing and ambiguous staff report … and the sense that clearly motivated several of the Councillors to believe that immediate action was required in order to preserve important relationships," the ruling stated.

The city has accepted the ruling, with City Manager Joel McKay stating that staff will focus on moving forward.

Paull’s reinstatement to committees is now in progress, while CBC News has reached out to Lhtako Dene and Nazko First Nations for comment.