By MPP Bobbi Ann Brady
Since my election in 2022, I have been getting swamped with feedback voicing opposition to dropping a city of 40,000 into the Nanticoke Industrial Park, and conversely, mega-support for my efforts asking the Ford government for carbon tax relief.
I’ve written letters, asked questions and made statements at Queen’s Park, and created petitions for these critical issues. And I am getting hundreds of signatures on each petition.
I’m proud and grateful that so many of you are standing by me.
First off, about my “Say No to the MZO” petition…In March 2024, we dissenters were relieved when Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Paul Calandra said he would cease and desist issuing new Ministerial Zoning Orders (MZOs) until a new framework was established to outline the conditions under which orders would be considered. The Minister then informed Haldimand County if they wanted the MZO to be reconsidered, they would have to provide a new request.
The Minister also highlighted this in response to my MZO petition in January 2024. The petition highlights the impact on infrastructure from the proposed new city, such as existing roadways, plus the maintenance of new roads and the need for new medical, police and fire facilities. I believe the Minister saw the folly in allowing the eventual migration of 40,000 people to an industrial park; one that is isolated from many community services.
Unfortunately, the MZO reappeared on the council agenda prior to the summer break. Four of the seven (the majority) of Haldimand County councillors voted to support an MZO request from Empire Homes.
The will of the people of Haldimand County not being abided troubles me. Three elections fought and won, and the hundreds of signatures I’ve collected reflect the true will of the people. Whether it will be respected remains to be seen. Your move Minister Calandra.
Next up, my petition launched in January 2024 “Time Ontario provides relief to families from federal carbon tax,” is also lighting up with hundreds of signatures.
Most questions in the House have been carbon-tax centred, and I felt if the government was making the issue front page, then they had the ability to act. The carbon tax is a punitive and regressive tax, and a notional consultative process like Premier Ford’s referendum 5 to 20 years down the road doesn’t help now. So, I launched this petition calling on Ontario to follow the lead of Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe. Moe, since January 1, has refused to collect the carbon tax on home heating on behalf of the federal government.
To date, the government has refused to follow Scott Moe’s lead, and I suspect when the House resumes, the Premier will continue to use the carbon tax as a distraction to ongoing scandals like the Greenbelt.
Back in April, I told Premier Ford his referendum idea on a provincial carbon tax was a publicity stunt. He went ballistic and bellowed that I’ll be out of a job come next election – challenge accepted.
Along with the petitions, at Queen’s Park I’ll be sending the government a strong verbal signal that you demand affordability and sensible development. Stay tuned for more.
Bobbi Ann Brady is the MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk