Sometimes, when the Ontario Legislature comes together and speaks with one voice, it is so calm and quiet, you can almost hear your heartbeat.One such occasion took place on September 28th, as MPPs offered their thoughts in recognition of National Truth and Reconciliation Day. The speeches were stirring, emotion-filled, and thought-provoking. Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa […]
With the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in a summer recess, it’s often said that MPPs are touring their Ridings on the so-called “barbecue circuit.” Admittedly, almost every summer community event we attend serves up delicious food in abundance. But breaks in the House schedule also give Members the opportunity to reconnect with their constituents, so as to […]
I was glad to join some of my colleagues in late July to attend the 59 th Canadian Regional Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in Regina, Saskatchewan. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) brings together 180 Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures to advance the highest standards of democratic governance and parliamentary practice. Its meetings are nonpartisan. […]
MPP Goes Back to SchoolOur publicly-funded school systems are the incubator of our society’s futureIt has been a while (quite a long while) since I was a public school student in Arthur. However, I recentlywent back to school with Trustee Jeanne Gray, as part of Halton District School Board’s “Take Your MPPto School” initiative.To say […]
With prices continuing to rise due to inflation, every day is budget day for most Ontarians.But for the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, “Budget Day” came on March 23.The presentation of the provincial government’s taxation and spending plan for the fiscal year ahead is one of the most anticipated days on the legislative calendar.Each year, no […]
Canada’s retired Governor Generals aren’t always the retiring type.
The Right Honourable David Johnston, who served as the late Queen’s representative in Canada from 2010 to 2017, has written another fine book, this time in collaboration with Brian Hanington. It has just been released.
Empathy: Turning Compassion into Action (Signal-McClelland and Stewart) offers Johnston’s observations and reflections of his diverse life experiences, structured around the theme of how we all need to think beyond our individual self-interest to show care and compassion for
Preparations for the 2023 Ontario Budget are nearing their final stages, with the Budget expected to be presented in the Legislative Assembly in late March. As always, the Ministry of Finance is engaged in extensive consultations in the lead up to the Budget. The Legislature’s all-party Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs has travelled the province […]
As we look back on 2022, many negative headlines come to mind: the barbaric Russian aggression in Ukraine, the lingering impacts of COVID-19, the rising cost of living caused by inflation, higher interest rates slowing economic growth, and concerns about climate change have all had impacts on our local communities. Taken together, they made 2022 […]
As the Christmas season beckons and 2022 draws to a close, we can look forward to the coming holiday season with excited anticipation. I was glad to attend the Santa Claus parades in Acton and Georgetown on November 19 th , along with many of our colleagues in elected public service. It was wonderful to see […]
A few days ago, I attended the funeral of a veteran of World War II who landed with Canadian Forces onJuno Beach on June 6 th , 1944.He survived the war, returned home after it was over, became a dentist, a husband, a father, a grandfather,and a respected community leader. He was deeply loved by […]