Chair of the Cobourg Police Services Board Adam Bureau has issued a statement addressing concerns raised during the June 23, 2026 board meeting about comments he made following the appointment of Chris Leather. Bureau clarified that when he described the board as being “united,” he was referring to members’ collective support for the successful candidate after the recruitment process, not suggesting the vote itself was unanimous.
At the Board meeting, member Ron Kerr called for Bureau’s resignation as a result of an interview the Chair had with Northumberland 89.7.
Kerr stated in the interview Bureau stated that the Board voted “unanimously” for the selection of Police Chief Chris Leather.
Kerr stated that there were “more than a few” people that didn’t support the appointment of the new chief.
In the Board meeting it came out as Board member Dean Pepper and Kerr did not support the motion for Leather as Chief.
“You did a real disservice, you did not follow proper protocol and in my mind you should be stepping down from the Board,” said Kerr.
The vote was immediately taken after Board’s comments and defeated.
Bureau said he took the concerns seriously, denied any intention to disclose confidential information or compromise the hiring process, and noted that board members present expressed confidence in his continued leadership as chair.
“My intention was to convey that the Board was united,” stated Bureau in a statement.
Bureau emphasized the importance of open discussion, accountability, and mutual respect in governance, stating that while members may disagree during decision-making, they share a commitment to supporting the chief once a selection is made.
The statement concludes with Bureau reaffirming his support for Chief Leather, the board’s priorities, and the sworn and civilian members of the Cobourg Police Service.
Below is Bureau’s statement:
Statement from Adam Bureau, Chair, Cobourg Police Service Board
At the June 23, 2026 meeting of the Cobourg Police Service Board, a concern was raised regarding comments I made following the Board’s selection of Chief Chris Leather as Chief of Police. Specifically, it was suggested that I had characterized the Board’s decision as unanimous when the vote itself was not unanimous.
My intention was to convey that the Board was united in supporting the successful candidate and committed to working together following the completion of the recruitment process.
I take the concerns raised by my colleague seriously and appreciate the opportunity to address them openly at the Board table. At no time was it my intention to disclose confidential information or undermine the integrity of the recruitment process.
Following the discussion, I asked my fellow Board members whether they continued to have confidence in my leadership as Chair. The members present indicated their support for me to continue in that role, and I remain committed to serving the Board and the community with integrity, transparency, and accountability.
The recruitment of a Chief of Police is one of the most important responsibilities entrusted to a Police Service Board. While members may have differing views throughout the process, we share a common commitment to selecting the best leader for our police service and supporting that individual once a decision has been made.
I respect the right of every Board member to raise concerns and ask difficult questions. Healthy governance requires open discussion, mutual respect, and accountability. That discussion occurred, and the Board has now moved forward.
My focus remains on supporting Chief Chris Leather as he begins his tenure as Chief of Police, advancing the priorities of the Board, and continuing to ensure adequate and effective policing for the residents of Cobourg.
I remain incredibly proud of the sworn and civilian members of the Cobourg Police Service who serve our community every day with professionalism and dedication.
Adam Bureau
Chair, Cobourg Police Service Board
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
