MPP Arnott urges Government to commit to new Halton Courthouse in upcoming budget – Speech
Text of Mr. Arnott’s Statement in the Ontario Legislature,
December 3, 2015
As the government begins preparations for next year’s budget, I rise in this House once again to
underscore the need for a new courthouse in Halton region.
The current Halton courthouse, which was built more than 50 years ago, is aging, overcrowded, unsafe
and inadequate to meet the needs of our rapidly growing region.
I toured the courthouse on September 10, 2014, and participated in a town hall meeting with lawyers,
judges and other courthouse users later on that day. I told them I would do what I could to help.
I’ve raised this issue in debate in this House and in question period. I’ve written to the Attorney General,
and I’ve spoken to her many times. I even initiated a meeting with the Attorney General and all the Halton area MPPs on September 8. I also discussed the need with the Minister of Finance and the President of Treasury Board last month, asking for their support.
The Attorney General assures us that a new courthouse for Halton region is a priority for her ministry. I
thank her for the interest she has shown to date and urge her to keep pushing.
The fall economic statement showed that the government has allocated $234 million for justice
infrastructure for this year. That’s up almost $100 million from last year. Where is the Halton courthouse in their long-term infrastructure plan?
Halton region needs a new courthouse. I am prepared to reach across the aisle and work with the other
Halton area MPPs. Let’s work together and get this done.