By MPP Bobbi Ann Brady
While the global tariff war continues to play out like a ping pong match, I am hearing from constituents who are concerned or not concerned at all. There are also numerous theories on how the tariff war should be handled.
I have my ideas, but they centre around the old adage you can only control you, and the reaction to what is thrown at you. In that spirit, I think it’s time our governments work cooperatively to give Canadians/Ontarians a leg to stand on. It’s time to get rid of the regressive carbon tax. Get rid of taxes that are making life harder for everyone.
For example, the Government of Nova Scotia passed a motion to make life more affordable by permanently reducing the provincial portion of the harmonized sales tax, beginning April 1, 2025. In fact, the province passed many measures prior to the threat of the tariffs that will see Nova Scotians save more of their hard-earned dollars.
History has proven we can pick ourselves up, wipe the dust from our behind and soldier on, but we must focus on being self-reliant, and when all settles with Trump we simply cannot return to ‘business as usual.’
I say this because I fear among all the attention duly given to the tariff issue, we are overlooking something bigger and more ominous, which is the concept of centralized power. I have been like a broken record with respect to the erosion of democracy through our once trusted public institutions.
I wonder who is complicit in this zeal for centralized power and decision-making. The answer to that question might help explain reactions to some of the actions we are currently witnessing.
Prior to the election call, I received a well-written letter from a constituent who imparted his advice as he has had the misfortune of having lived under authoritarian regimes. This is a gentleman who respects my stance on how a democratic system should function and is also concerned with increasing centralized decision making. The writer points to what we may view as small things but concludes we are on a slippery slope away from our traditional way of governing if we allow political parties to parachute candidates, and we accept notions like strong mayor powers.
I can’t put my finger on exactly what is happening, but there is an acquiescence to being silenced by a centralized power. I see it at Queen’s Park, south of the border, and around the globe.
Last week on CNN Live, Premier Ford told the reporter that he had spoken to both Republicans and Democrats who agreed with his sentiment; however, they are afraid to speak out against President Trump. While Ford questioned Trump’s authoritative behaviour; ironically, just a few weeks prior at a news conference, Tony Francis, the PC candidate for Windsor West was questioned by the media why he hadn’t taken part in any debates or spoken to media during the campaign. The reporter posited that it was a ‘disservice to democracy.’ Ford stepped forward, responded for Mr. Francis then concluded by saying, “That’s the answer for Tony.” And Tony Francis, the candidate, never once spoke during or after the news conference. What’s wrong with that picture?
I digressed but while the tariffs are currently in the spotlight, I still have a nagging suspicion that they are a distraction from another ominous threat. Now more than ever it behooves us to pay attention to the world and stop assuming the government has our best interests at heart.
Bobbi Ann Brady is the MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk