Timmins City Clerk’s Social Media Posts Spark Controversy Over Health Misinformation
Timmins, Ontario – A storm of controversy has erupted surrounding Timmins City Clerk Steph Palmateer’s social media activity, where he has shared posts containing health misinformation. Palmateer’s X (formerly Twitter) account features posts, some dating back to September 2023, that disseminate unsubstantiated claims about vaccines, masks, and COVID-19. These posts allege that vaccines cause cancer, strokes, and cardiac arrests, that masks impair children’s learning, and that fasting can eliminate the COVID-19 vaccine spike protein. The persistence of these posts on his profile, despite their questionable veracity, has raised concerns within the community.
Palmateer’s role as city clerk involves approving applications from delegations wishing to address the Timmins City Council. Ironically, this includes organizations whose views directly contradict the misinformation he has shared. In November 2024, Palmateer approved a delegation from the Timmins and District Hospital, which sought $2 million in city funding for emergency department renovations. The hospital has consistently maintained a pro-vaccine stance, implementing a mandatory vaccination policy for its staff during the pandemic. Hospital President Kate Fyfe has publicly emphasized the importance of vaccines in protecting public health, a position starkly contrasting with Palmateer’s online pronouncements.
Furthermore, Palmateer approved a December 2022 delegation supporting a supervised injection site, which included the then-Porcupine Health Unit Medical Officer of Health, Lianne Catton. Both the hospital and the health unit (now the Northeastern Public Health Unit) actively promote vaccination and mask-wearing as protective measures against COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. Their official websites provide guidance on these public health measures, recommendations that stand in direct opposition to the claims circulated by Palmateer.
The city’s response to the controversy has been limited. City spokesperson Amanda Dyer declined to disclose the city’s social media policy for staff or comment on whether Palmateer’s online activity aligns with it. Dyer characterized Palmateer’s X account as personal and stated that the matter had been referred to the appropriate department, refusing further comment. However, the City of Timmins Council Code of Conduct explicitly prohibits council members from using social media to publish "anything that is dishonest, untrue, offensive, disrespectful, constitutes harassment or is defamatory or misleading in any way.” Dyer declined to clarify if similar guidelines apply to city staff or if Palmateer would be available for comment.
Palmateer’s previous role as president of the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO) adds another layer to the situation. AMCTO Executive Director David Arbuckle distanced the organization from Palmateer’s views, emphasizing that they do not represent the association’s position. Arbuckle highlighted AMCTO’s Code of Ethics and Values and outlined a process for addressing complaints against members, suggesting a potential avenue for addressing concerns about Palmateer’s conduct.
The controversy surrounding Palmateer’s social media activity raises critical questions about the responsibility of public officials in the digital age. The dissemination of health misinformation, particularly by individuals in positions of authority, can have serious consequences for public health. While personal social media accounts afford individuals a degree of freedom of expression, the line becomes blurred when the views expressed contradict the mandates and values of the institutions they represent. The situation in Timmins underscores the need for clear social media policies for public officials, and the importance of accountability for online behavior that could undermine public trust and endanger public health. The ongoing debate highlights the challenges faced by municipalities in navigating the intersection of free speech, public health, and the responsible use of social media platforms. The community awaits further clarification from the City of Timmins regarding its social media policy and how it will address the concerns raised by Palmateer’s online activity. The incident serves as a reminder of the power and potential pitfalls of social media in the context of public service, prompting wider discussions about the ethical responsibilities of individuals in positions of influence.