In March 2025, Mayor Jeff Leal was a guest speaker at Trent University for a business administration lecture. He veered off topic to paraphrase USA president Lyndon B. Johnson. He said Johnson used language that you would never use today.  Mayor Leal then chose to say the N-word in reference to how Johnson spoke. There is an audio recording of Mayor Leal doing this.

The Trent Student Association filed a complaint with the City's
integrity commissioner. Mayor Leal only issued an apology after the
complaint was submitted. This was not the first time a complaint had been
filed with the integrity commissioner against Mayor Leal. While
chairing a city council meeting, he made threats against a city
councillor. Mayor Leal – a 30-year career in politics – has shown a pattern of abuse of power, disregard for others, and dangerous arrogance.

It is completely unacceptable to use a racially charged slur -- not even when
paraphrasing. Peterborough Police are dealing with a high percentage of hate crimes. The mayor's use of racist language -- emboldening others in our community to normalize anti-Black racist comments --  is intolerable.

Mayor Leal should resign as he no longer represents the inclusive,
diverse, and welcoming Peterborough we strive for. This is Canada, where
racist language and behaviour have no place in our public
institutions …  especially from the leader of a city. This is not the
city we know and love. The Mayor should resign.

For more information on joining The Coalition for A Better Peterborough, please email us at coalitionptbo@gmail.com