Councillor Pauls Breaks the Silence on Strike Transparency

After days of silence from City Hall regarding our request for comment on the financial disclosure of the ongoing water workers’ strike, The Hamiltonian has finally received the first and only reply — from Ward 7 Councillor Esther Pauls.

Councillor Pauls responded directly to our question asking whether she agrees that taxpayers are entitled to know the total cost of the strike to date, and what steps she has taken or will take to ensure this information becomes public.

Her response, published below in full, affirms her support for transparency and acknowledges the importance of public accountability:

“I understand that public transparency is important and think we should be fully transparent about the fiscal implications of the Public Works water strike.

Any time there is public disruption, taxpayers are affected, residents deserve reassurance that the City of Hamilton is managing the situation in a fiscally responsible manner. Doing so reinforces trust and measures the effectiveness of what we have spent on the impact on taxpayers.

We are currently exploring a comprehensive and a full disclosure report on this matter.

Kind regards,”

— Councillor Esther Pauls

Councillor Pauls’ remarks confirm three key points.

First, she explicitly agrees that transparency is both necessary and expected. Second, she acknowledges that taxpayers are directly affected and deserve clear information about how their money is being spent during this prolonged disruption. Finally, she states that the City is “currently exploring” a comprehensive disclosure report.

While her response is the first sign of engagement from an elected member of council, Hamilton residents may reasonably ask: When will this report be released? Who is responsible for delivering it? And will the City meet the level of transparency she supports in principle?

The Hamiltonian continues to be open to answers from the remaining councillors and from Mayor Andrea Horwath, however, their lack of engagement has already sent a troubling message to Hamiltonians. 

For now, Councillor Pauls stands alone as the only elected official willing to publicly address the issue. The question remains whether others at City Hall will follow her lead — or continue their silence.

Hats off to Pauls!

In addition, the City of Hamilton's Media relations department advises as follows: Staff are actively compiling a costing report outlining the financial impact of the labour disruption - the report will be presented to City Council at an upcoming General Issues Committee meeting before the end of 2025.