Democracy under attack in Ontario.
While we are concerned about the attack on democratic institutions in United States, we need to pay attention to what is happening right here in Ontario.
Democratic practises in Ontario – particularly the idea that decisions are made by a majority of those elected - are being subverted.
Premier Doug Ford introduced Regulation 530/22 under the Municipal Act on April 9 to extend strong mayor powers to another 169 municipalities in Ontario. He allowed just seven days for comment. On April 16 the regulation was approved by Cabinet meeting in private, and the powers are effective on May 1.
Premier Ford moved quickly because he knows that destroying this basic element of democracy would be widely opposed.
Strong mayor powers mean that the local mayor and one third of the council can approve anything deemed to be a provincial priority as well as many other local matters. The opinions of two thirds of the elected members of council mean nothing. Premier Ford has ended the basic democratic principle in municipalities that majority rules. Some might consider him Captain Canada but this is not the kind of Canada we want to live in.
What is a provincial priority that a few councillors can approved over the objections of a majority? Major infrastructure projects such as Highway 413, the tunnel under the 401, and the Bradford bypass. Maybe even spending $2 billion on a private spa where Ontario Place once proudly stood. New low-density suburban housing on farmland. High rise buildings in places that are inappropriate.
The best we can do is protest loudly: write your MPP with a copy to Premier Ford and make it clear you want this destruction of a basic democratic principle reversed.
** Additional information: Strong mayor powers would allow heads of municipal councils of six members or more to pass a bylaw with the support of one third of all council members in order to:
Democratic practises in Ontario – particularly the idea that decisions are made by a majority of those elected - are being subverted.
Premier Doug Ford introduced Regulation 530/22 under the Municipal Act on April 9 to extend strong mayor powers to another 169 municipalities in Ontario. He allowed just seven days for comment. On April 16 the regulation was approved by Cabinet meeting in private, and the powers are effective on May 1.
Premier Ford moved quickly because he knows that destroying this basic element of democracy would be widely opposed.
Strong mayor powers mean that the local mayor and one third of the council can approve anything deemed to be a provincial priority as well as many other local matters. The opinions of two thirds of the elected members of council mean nothing. Premier Ford has ended the basic democratic principle in municipalities that majority rules. Some might consider him Captain Canada but this is not the kind of Canada we want to live in.
What is a provincial priority that a few councillors can approved over the objections of a majority? Major infrastructure projects such as Highway 413, the tunnel under the 401, and the Bradford bypass. Maybe even spending $2 billion on a private spa where Ontario Place once proudly stood. New low-density suburban housing on farmland. High rise buildings in places that are inappropriate.
The best we can do is protest loudly: write your MPP with a copy to Premier Ford and make it clear you want this destruction of a basic democratic principle reversed.
** Additional information: Strong mayor powers would allow heads of municipal councils of six members or more to pass a bylaw with the support of one third of all council members in order to:
- appoint the municipality’s chief administrative officer.
- hire certain municipal department heads and re-organize departments.
- appoint committee chairs and vice-chairs of committees.
- propose the municipal budget
- veto a council decision if it could potentially interfere with a provincial priority.
Here’s a list of all-candidate meetings we know about:
Taiaiako'n Parkdale High Park
- Tuesday, April 22, 7 pm, Roncesvalles United Church, 214 Wright Ave.
- Thursday, April 24, 6.30 pm at the Church of Epiphany & St. Mark, 201 Cowan Avenue.
Beaches East York
- April 23, 7.30 pm Kingston road United Church, 695 Kingston Road
Don Valley North
- Thursday, April 24, 7pm, Bayview Middle School.
Toronto-Danforth
- Wednesday April 23 7 pm, Bain Avenue Co-op Community Centre
Toronto-St. Paul’s
- Monday April 21, 7 pm, St. Michael’s and All Angels Church, Wychwood and St. Clair.
Toronto-St. Center
- Wednesday April 23, 6 pm, Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas Street East
Scarborough Southwest
- All candidates debate was held April 16. Room capacity was 150 people and all seats were filled. There was an online option as well. Six candidates attended but the Conservative candidate did not.
This pattern of Conservative candidates skipping or intending to skip the debates has been noted in most other ridings as well.
WATCH THE April 7th MEETING.
Click here to view the meeting on YouTube
WATCH THE MARCH 31ST MEETING.
Click here to view the meeting on YouTube