bulldozer

Wednesday January 23, 2024

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announces a plan to revamp the kindergarten curriculum, introducing a mix of play-based learning and foundational instruction in literacy and numeracy.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday January 23, 2024

Ontario’s Kindergarten Curriculum Makeover: A Balancing Act Amidst Past Greenbelt Controversies

March 19, 2019

Ah, Doug Ford, the man with a plan. Or, well, at least a plan to revamp Ontario’s kindergarten curriculum. Because, you know, nothing says “education reform” like a leader who once tried to turn the Greenbelt into a suburban paradise. But hey, let’s not dwell on past mistakes; let’s focus on the bright future of Ontario’s little tots and their newfound appreciation for fractions and phonics.

In a groundbreaking move that will undoubtedly reshape the trajectory of the province, Education Minister Stephen Lecce announced the government’s grand plan to mix “back to basics” instruction with play-based learning in kindergarten. Finally, the kids will be able to recite the alphabet while constructing houses with blocks. Who knew learning could be so… constructive?

News: Doug Ford government to revamp full-day kindergarten curriculum

April 19, 2023

Lecce emphasized the importance of developing “core foundational skills” in our youngest students. Because, let’s face it, the fate of the entire province rests on whether Timmy can correctly identify an up arrow or if Susie can spell “foundation” while building her Lego masterpiece. Move over, Shakespeare, the future literary giants are in kindergarten.

But let’s not forget the genius behind this educational revolution – Doug Ford, the man who once thought it would be a great idea to sacrifice the Greenbelt for the sake of affordable housing. Because who needs a protected environmental area when you can have a few more cookie-cutter houses, right?

In the 2018 election, Ford vowed to open up the Greenbelt, promising developers a piece of the protected pie. However, after a brief moment of enlightenment (or perhaps a strong public backlash), he backtracked, claiming he wouldn’t develop the area after all. Fast forward to 2022, and surprise, surprise – he did exactly what he said he wouldn’t.

September 23, 2023

The Auditor General then swooped in, revealing a flawed process that conveniently favoured certain developers, leading to the removal of 7,400 acres of Greenbelt land. The cost? A mere $8 billion. But hey, who’s counting when you’re reshaping the landscape of the province, one questionable decision at a time?

Ford’s Housing Minister, Steve Clark, faced calls to resign, with the Integrity Commissioner confirming ethics rule violations. But who needs ethical governance when you can build affordable homes for “newcomers and young people” on the Greenbelt? Forget the environment; think of the children – the ones who will be marvelling at their newly constructed block houses in kindergarten.

In the end, after a series of resignations, apologies, and promises to build within urban boundaries, Ford decided to reverse his decision and restore the Greenbelt lands. A true masterclass in leadership and decision-making, wouldn’t you say?

So, as Ontario gears up for the kindergarten curriculum overhaul, let’s all take a moment to appreciate the strategic mind behind it all – the man who brought you Greenbelt chaos and now wants your four-year-old to master fractions. Bravo, Doug Ford, bravo. (AI)

Tuesday May 30, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday May 30, 2023

Doug Ford’s Greenbelt Blunder Exposes His Betrayal and Ignorance

March 23, 2023

In a shocking display of betrayal and ignorance, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has denounced the province’s cherished Greenbelt as a “scam” and dismissed its creation as a random act of the previous Liberal government. This absurd characterization is not only an insult to the countless professionals, citizens, and organizations who dedicated their time and expertise to establish the Greenbelt but also a blatant disregard for his own promises.

Let us not forget that during previous elections, Ford assured the public that his government “would not touch the Greenbelt.” Fast forward to the present, and we witness his administration allowing developers to encroach upon 3,000 hectares of the protected 800,000-hectare Greenbelt. Such a move, justified under the guise of addressing a housing crisis, raises serious concerns about the integrity of the decision-making process.

Opinion: Doug Ford needs to level with Ontarians about the Greenbelt  

May 9, 2023

The Premier’s decision has triggered investigations by both the integrity commissioner and the Auditor-General, amid allegations of unfair benefits bestowed upon developers with close ties to the government. The irony is striking. Ford, who claims to champion the interests of the people, appears to be serving the interests of his well-connected friends instead.

In his attempt to undermine the legitimacy of the Greenbelt, Ford casts doubt on the process by which it was created, alleging that it was haphazardly conceived using a dartboard and highlighters. These baseless accusations demean the hard work and dedication of experts, scientists, and planners who meticulously analyzed agricultural conditions and evaluated lands for inclusion. Victor Doyle, the former senior provincial planner involved in the Greenbelt’s development, emphatically refutes Ford’s claims, highlighting the comprehensive evaluation process that was undertaken.

January 12, 2023

Ford’s dismissal of the Greenbelt as a mere “fancy word” concocted by the Liberals is not only factually incorrect but also reveals his astonishing lack of understanding of the significant environmental, agricultural, and economic benefits it provides. The Greenbelt ensures clean water by protecting aquifers and rivers that feed the Great Lakes, safeguards forests that supply clean air and habitat for diverse wildlife, and preserves Canada’s prime farmland, which is crucial for food security and the economy. Moreover, the Greenbelt plays a pivotal role in mitigating climate change impacts through flood prevention, carbon sequestration, and temperature moderation.

It is ironic that Ford, as a member of the Progressive Conservative Party, denounces the Greenbelt while conveniently overlooking that the Greenbelt builds upon and expands the protections established by prior Conservative administrations, including the Niagara Escarpment and Oak Ridges Moraine Plans. The Greenbelt represents a culmination of extensive research, analysis, and consultation, incorporating the expertise of leading hydrologists, ecologists, biologists, and other specialists, as well as valuable input from local communities and stakeholders.

December 17, 2022

Ford’s comments about the Greenbelt reflect his profound disconnect from reality and his willingness to dismiss internationally recognized preservation initiatives as inconsequential. His disregard for the importance of protecting the environment, safeguarding water sources, and preserving green spaces for future generations is deeply troubling.

The Greenbelt is not a partisan issue. It transcends political affiliations, with supporters from all parties recognizing its significance in ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for Ontario. The Premier’s attempt to carve up our green spaces to reward his wealthy associates is a clear demonstration of his misplaced priorities.

News: Doug Ford calling the Greenbelt a scam is ‘unbelievable,’ Canada’s environment minister says  

February 3, 2023

Furthermore, Ford’s audacious claim that his government has one of the best environmental records in Ontario’s history is a laughable distortion of reality. His actions speak louder than his empty words. From curbing the powers of conservation authorities to canceling renewable energy projects and weakening protections for endangered species, Ford’s track record demonstrates a concerning disregard for the environment.

It is disheartening to witness the leader of Ontario’s government spout baseless claims, belittle the efforts of dedicated professionals, and undermine a vital environmental asset. The Greenbelt stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, science, and evidence-based decision-making. It is a vision for a sustainable future that Ford has callously abandoned.

As concerned citizens, we must hold our elected officials accountable. We cannot allow the Greenbelt, a symbol of our commitment to environmental stewardship and the well-being of future generations, to be tarnished by the shortsightedness and political expediency of our leaders. It is time to stand up for the Greenbelt and demand that Ford’s government rectify its misguided actions. Our collective future depends on it. (AI)

 

Friday May 3, 2019

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday May 3, 2019

Move over, Doug Ford. Jason Kenney is Canada’s new disruptor

Jason Kenney is back. First stop, Ontario. 

Days after being sworn in as Alberta’s new premier Tuesday, sweeping to power with a 55-per-cent majority unrivalled by any politician in Canada today, Kenney wants to win over Ontarians.

Direct and in person.

Best known as a savvy Harper-era federal minister, officially responsible for immigration and multiculturalism, but unofficially assigned to wooing and winning the 905 vote, Kenney has reinvented himself as a fiery prairie populist.

All these years later, the Oakville-born Alberta premier still has an eye, and an ear, for the GTA.

Now he wants to be heard.

Not just by the Bay Street crowd who rewarded him with standing ovations during a lunchtime speech on Alberta’s energy woes, or from the smiling Ontario premier who pledged his support Friday (after bearing a private grudge against him for years — more on that later).

The new premier is getting his message out any way he can, not least in the pages of the Toronto Star. Which is why he sat down for a wide-ranging interview about Alberta’s plight, his political fight, and his plan to disrupt Canada even if it means talking up disunity in a country that still frets about national unity.

Ontarians, he says, should hear him out.

“Obviously, Ontario is sort of the elder brother of the federation, and I think it can play a role,” he tells me. The response at Friday’s business lunch showed “they get what Alberta is going through.”

Many politicians lay claim to a 100-day plan of action. Kenney, however, has unveiled a 100-hour agenda of disruption that he has spent years mapping out.

And he is just getting started — threatening B.C. with a fuel blockade and confronting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with a constitutional challenge over control of energy resources. (Continued: Toronto Star) 

 

Tuesday September 19, 2017

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday September 19, 2017

Liberals may use time allocation to push priorities through Parliament

The Liberal government is heading into the second half of its mandate with a number of big legislative priorities they are eager to move through Parliament.

And they are ready to curtail debate if they think the opposition parties are dragging their feet — especially since the will of the increasingly independent Senate is becoming harder to predict.

“We know that there’s going to be vigorous debate and there is going to be partisanship and politics on many ideas,” said Cameron Ahmad, a spokesman for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

“It’s how our system works, but at the same time I don’t think it’s necessary for every single issue to be framed around partisanship.”

This spring, the Liberal government backed down on part of its plan to alter the ins and outs of parliamentary procedure, abandoning some of the more controversial reforms that the Conservatives and New Democrats had been battling for weeks.

Still, House leader Bardish Chagger warned at the time this would come with a cost, telling her political rivals that since they could not agree on other ways to speed things along, the Liberals would be ready to impose time allocation — a heavy-handed tactic that limits debate.

That remains the case as MPs return to Ottawa this week, especially since the Liberals want to act quickly on priorities such as the legalization of marijuana, a tougher law on impaired driving and the new National Security Act.

Other big goals for the fall include political financing reforms and an air passengers bill of rights.

“We’re looking forward to debating everybody, but if it comes to a point where we’re seeing obstructionism as we saw on certain occasions in the last session, time allocation is a tool that could be used,” said Ahmad, who stressed they have not made up their minds to use it.

“It’s a case-by-case analysis.” (Source: CBC News) 

 

SaveSave