Amid fury over heavy-handed amalgamation demand, embattled Niagara Chair resigns over Hitler book

Bob Gale’s short lived tenure as the embattled chair of Niagara Region has come to an end. 

His surprise resignation came hours after allegations by local anti-racism groups emerged, forcing Gale to explain why he owns a signed copy of Mein Kampf, Adolf Hitler’s deeply disturbing racist and anti-semitic screed that put Aryans at the top of a racial hierarchy, reducing all others to enemies of humanity. 

It is a radically evil book that foreshadowed one of the worst crimes ever committed, inciting brutal violence when it was forced reading throughout Germany, leading to fullscale barbarism, and the horrific extermination of six million jewish residents across Europe.

Gale’s resignation after news spread that he owned a copy, cut his time as regional chair to just 84 days.

Some Niagara Region councillors are speculating the intense backlash to Gale’s heavy handed push for municipal amalgamation in Niagara also played a role in his decision to give up the well-paid, provincial government appointment. Former chair Jim Bradley, who passed away in 2025, received $190,026.48 in remuneration and expenses in 2024. 

Premier Doug Ford has repeatedly over recent years shared his desire to amalgamate Niagara’s 13 municipalities. Gale, shortly after being appointed to the regional chair position by Ford in December, began to do just that. 

Municipal leaders were blindsided when Gale issued a letter in February requesting feedback from local mayors on amalgamation. 

“Let me assure you that he would not have resigned (more likely instructed to resign) if this was not considered a very big deal by those who appointed him,” Councillor Laura Ip wrote on social media.

In a resignation letter dated March 11 sent to Ontario Municipal Affairs Minister Rob Flack, Gale said he was stepping down effective immediately, pointing to a “member of the communist party” circulating “a dated document that listed my name as the owner of a historical book found in many libraries”. 

The letter was sent only hours after a media release from the Niagara Region Anti-Racism Association (NRARA) and Justice 4 Black Lives Niagara (J4BL) claimed Gale owned a copy of the book bearing the former Nazi leader’s signature. 

The release provided documentation that indicates the book was purchased by Gale at auction in 2010 and authenticated in 2018 by the Certified Appraisers Guild of America. According to the documents, Gale paid $6,345 for his copy of the book, which has an appraised value of approximately $16,000. 

“Buying and taking the trouble to authenticate hate material signed by Hitler makes any reasonable person wonder,” Saleh Waziruddin of the NRARA said. “Niagara Region Chair Bob Gale needs to explain himself publicly and apologize for owning one of the most notorious pieces of antisemitic hate.”

J4BLN founder Sherri Darlene said the allegation reflects longstanding concerns about racism in the region.

“It’s shocking but not surprising that Niagara’s highest elected municipal official (Gale was appointed) owns hate literature,” she said.

The statement referenced comments from historian Valerie Hébert, who reportedly told CBC News in 2021 that trading in or displaying Nazi memorabilia carries a responsibility for the messages they represent and can be both irresponsible and potentially harmful.

Both groups welcomed the news of Gale’s resignation. 

“White supremacist groups are publicly intimidating us in Niagara, pushing antisemitic conspiracy theories against migrants and trans people, so it was just untenable for any official, let alone the top politician, to hold on to a signed book that same hate is based on,” Waziruddin said in press release. “It’s dismaying how so many in Niagara still don’t get what’s wrong with buying and keeping hateful material that has done so much harm. Bob Gale should now destroy his signed copy of Mein Kampf because it belongs in the garbage, just like the Nazi hate of those who still promote it.”

In his resignation letter, Gale did not apologize. He also did not mention Mein Kampf or Hitler directly. He described himself as a “passionate historian with a broad collection of historical artifacts” and claimed there was a “strong vocal minority who decided they would stop at nothing to keep their fiefdoms and addictions to power and tax dollars.” It is unclear what he was referring to.

Gale has been a controversial figure since his appointment by the PC government following the death of former Chair Jim Bradley. His resignation follows weeks of escalating tensions with members of the regional council. Appointed by the Province on December 18, he quickly announced his intentions to implement sweeping governance reforms across the region, telling a public meeting, “I can be ruthless making changes, but it’s got to be for the right reasons.”

Bob Gale has resigned as chair of Niagara Region.

(Niagara Region)

His actions were described by critics and his fellow councillors as heavy handed, undemocratic and poorly defined. Around the region mayors and council members held special meetings and issued statements opposing his methods and strategy to reform municipal governance. In February, Niagara Region Council passed a motion requesting Gale halt his efforts 

In an email circulated to council members, St. Catharines Regional Councillor Haley Bateman criticized Gale’s leadership and said regional council had not received a formal resignation letter before the news became public.

She also noted that an ombudsman investigation into closed-door meetings involving regional council will continue despite Gale’s departure.

Councillor Ip also called for the province to pause unilateral governance reforms being pushed by Gale (similar to what Ford has called for in recent years) that would plunge the region into chaos. A comprehensive review has been supported instead, involving public consultation, financial analysis and recommendations for service delivery efficiencies and representation ahead of the 2030 municipal election.

Bob Gale (front row, third from right) is pictured next to Premier Doug Ford during the “Destination Niagara” announcement on December 15. Gale was appointed Niagara Regional chair three days later.

(Government of Ontario)

In a statement issued March 12, Niagara Region confirmed Gale’s resignation and outlined the interim leadership plan. Under the Region’s bylaw governing temporary absences, Councillor Rob Foster will serve as Acting Regional Chair for the remainder of March.

Regional officials said they will continue to work with the Province regarding next steps related to the office of the chair.

The situation has prompted questions about the vetting process used by the Province before Gale was appointed to the position.

The Pointer reached out to the office of Premier Doug Ford for comment on how Gale was selected and what will be done to replace him. No response has been received.

Regional officials say day-to-day operations will continue while the Province determines how to fill the top job in Niagara.

Bob Gale’s full resignation letter. 

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