By MPP Bobbi Ann Brady
Up until this past week, Queen’s Park has been relatively quiet but there was turbulence with talk of a jet and heated debate over freedom of information reforms. There was no shortage of controversy and political theatre but there were also moments of personal progress and victory. I remain hopeful even in contentious times, meaningful work and small wins still find a way.
Two weeks ago, the Ford government’s proposed education Bill 101 would, among other things, make teachers college one year instead of two. I’ve been asking for this with motions I tabled in November 2024 and May 2025. The rationale was saving students tuition money and getting qualified teachers into classrooms faster given Ontario’s shortage.
Seeing my education motion adopted reminds me persistence can pay off, but I was again pleasantly surprised when the government announced it will be introducing legislation to restrict foreign acquisition of farmland. I’ve raised my concerns through correspondence, in my role on Finance Committee, and largely through Bill 21, Foodbelt Protection Act, 2025, tabled by MPP Mike Schreiner and me. I suggested a non-resident speculation tax, but the government has a different approach, hopefully getting the same result.
When talk surfaced about Ford’s jet purchase, eyebrows were raised as it prompted legitimate concerns about spending, transparency, and timing. Ontario is geographically huge; however, Ontario already has a fleet of aircraft. But apparently, they are not always at the premier’s beck and call. It’s often about perception and timing in politics, and the public wasn’t buying into his need for a new set of wings. Premier Ford, after public outcry, quickly u-turned on the runway and sold the $28.9 million jet back to Bombardier. The premier is stuck chartering flights and using his personal driver.
Speaking of driving, for the sixth time, I stood in the House asking about a reconstruction date for Caledonia’s Argyle Street Bridge. This question was a no-brainer after the wave of complaints I’ve received about potholes on the bridge and claims for damaged vehicles. I also spoke of MTO pulling people over in villages across the riding last weekend – misplaced priorities I’d say. The greatest threat to the travelling public is not minor infractions, rather unsafe infrastructure.
I asked the government to detail their achievements over the past twelve months with respect to the bridge. In short, I got a recycled answer that design is complete, and the ministry is now in the process of obtaining final approvals for construction. That’s the same answer I received in 2022; however, following Question Period there was movement on the file behind closed doors, which I remain optimistic about.
From a bridge to bridging the distance between countries. As a member of Ontario’s Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, my week was capped off by a discussion with a delegation from the Czech Republic. The exchange underscored how interconnected our economic futures have become given an increasingly uncertain global landscape. Our conversation spanned key sectors including economic development, emerging technologies, and agriculture, all areas where Ontario can tap into opportunity.
What stood out was the need for relationships with jurisdictions that are stable and predictable. In today’s shifting political climate, it is incumbent Ontario positions itself as a reliable partner on the world stage. Building relationships with countries that value transparency, rule of law, and long-term collaboration is essential to sustaining growth and protecting our economic interests.
Conversations like the one with the Czechs, are more than diplomatic courtesy, they are strategic investments in our province’s future, so we remain competitive, resilient, and open to innovation. And speaking of open, I touched on Ford’s Freedom of Information reforms. I think they are making government not so open. With my word limit, I’ll discuss that next week.
Bobbi Ann Brady is the MPP For Haldimand-Norfolk