By MPP Bobbi Ann Brady
I’ve just returned from Ottawa, where I attended the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference.
Over 3,400 delegates spent a few days in the nation’s capital learning, networking, meeting, and discussing.
The Ford Government heard over 700 delegations from municipalities, including some from Haldimand and Norfolk Counties. As you know, Haldimand County brought forth a motion earlier this summer to prohibit me from attending any delegations—a move that was met with a great deal of contention and controversy. It seems those five councillors could have saved face, as a motion was not necessary because, at their request, I did not attend any Norfolk County delegations.
Natural Resources Minister Graydon Smith had graciously invited me to attend a meeting concerning shoreline erosion; however, five minutes prior to the meeting, his office called asking me to steer clear at Norfolk County’s request. This was disappointing, given that my office receives calls frequently on this issue. Shouldn’t we all work together to achieve what is best for local ratepayers?
I am sure both counties shut me out because of my stance on irresponsible growth. I have made it clear I can support responsible development, yet some in municipal leadership positions continue to infer I am opposed to all development—why the false narrative? Growth means increasing in size, whereas development should mean an increase in quality and value.
Taxpayers in many growing towns and cities are learning the hard way that rapid growth is not the solution to economic troubles and certainly isn’t the path to economic prosperity. These people and communities are experiencing traffic congestion, crime, long commutes, disrespect for the community, and aggressive competition in local businesses. Rapid growth often means higher rents, housing shortages, increased costs, and the demand for higher wages to meet a higher cost of living.
I spoke to many municipal leaders at AMO who sang from the same hymn book and agreed we need to slow growth. With political will at all levels, it is possible.
While at AMO, I made it a mission to find out whether other municipalities are receiving additional funds beyond regular funding allocations. That question was met with laughter because no municipality is getting money above and beyond what is typically sent from Queen’s Park, despite which stripe their MPP represents.
I remain optimistic that a briefing package from both counties will be on its way so that I can advocate for projects that will benefit the people of Haldimand-Norfolk. It’s easier to advocate when you know what’s being requested. Until then, I will continue to listen to you, the taxpayer, and take forward your concerns and requests.
Delegates left the convention disappointed as very little was announced besides the new Provincial Policy Statement. I will have more on that in a future column.
My time at AMO was spent sitting in on sessions concerning issues like social services, long-term care, public health mergers, and environmental management. I also met with some folks who wished to lobby on various issues.
Last but certainly not least, agriculture is one of Ontario’s top economic drivers, generating more than $47 billion in economic activity annually and supporting nearly ten percent of the province’s workforce with over 750,000 jobs. Certainly, agriculture should have been front and centre in at least the speech of the Premier or one of his cabinet ministers—sadly not.
Bobbi Ann Brady is the MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk