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Doug Ford

Tuesday May 30, 2023

May 30, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

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)

 

Posted in: Ontario Tagged: 2023-10, bulldozer, conservation, conservationist, developer, Doug Ford, environment, greenbelt, Ontario, scam

Wednesday May 24, 2023

May 24, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday May 24, 2023

Peeling the Layers: Ford’s Political Shake-up in Peel Region

August 21, 2019

Peel Region undergoes significant political development as Premier Doug Ford’s government pursues the separation of Mississauga and Brampton from the regional municipality. This parallels Toronto’s amalgamation reversal in 1998. The implications are substantial, especially with approaching elections and high stakes for Ford and other key players.

Toronto’s amalgamation brought coherence but failed to deliver promised savings. Similarly, dissolving Peel Region is challenging, yet many argue it’s the right course. Brampton and Mississauga’s rapid growth strains their relationship as Canada’s sixth-largest cities. Their populations hold significant political weight and ignoring their concerns could be perilous.

Young Doug Ford: the Series  

February 18, 2021

The roots of this separation trace back to Peel Region’s formation 50 years ago. Premier Bill Davis oversaw its creation against opposition from Hazel McCallion, later Mississauga’s mayor. Interestingly, Ford’s legislation to divide Peel bears McCallion’s name, a reminder of the rivalry between the cities. Opposition began under McCallion but succeeded under Mayor Bonnie Crombie, who campaigned for independence, emphasizing Mississauga’s economic prowess.

July 13, 2022

Mayor Patrick Brown demands over $1 billion compensation for shared infrastructure in Mississauga, while Crombie argues her taxpayers already bear a disproportionate burden. The financial considerations must be reconciled, despite the rivals’ tensions. The political landscape is intricate, with key figures and parties involved. Brown reinvented himself as Brampton’s mayor, while Crombie eyes Ontario Liberal leadership. Ford may face a formidable opponent in Crombie during the 2026 campaign.

News: Other mayors want out of regional governments  

January 17, 2019

With an early 2025 deadline, time is essential. Ford aims to make everyone “whole” and secure peace for Peel’s 1.5 million residents. Establishing standalone governance paves the way for “strong mayor” powers, sparking controversy. Mississauga and Brampton have no reservations, and Crombie could gain for Liberals within this Tory stronghold. The resolution will require attention to policing and financial accountability, with implications for the 2026 election.

The true impact of these political maneuvers will be understood when the ballots are counted. (AI)

 

Posted in: Ontario Tagged: 1970s, 2023-09, Amalgamation, bedroom, Brampton, Doug Ford, Mississauga, municipalities, Ontario, Peel Region, teen, YDF, Young Doug Ford

Friday May 12, 2023

May 12, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday May 12, 2023

Housing Arbitration by Neglect

December 1, 2021

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé’s recent report has accused Doug Ford’s government of neglecting the Landlord and Tenant Board, which is responsible for resolving residential landlord and tenant issues, and acting like a slum landlord. As of January, the backlog of cases had reached 38,000, an increase of 13,000 cases in just one year. The board’s inefficiency has been worsened by aging technology and the COVID-19 pandemic, causing immense negative impacts on both landlords and tenants.

The report highlights that tenants are waiting much longer than landlords for resolution, with the average landlord filing taking 221 days to resolve, compared to 427 days for tenants. The ombudsman has called for an “aggressive” strategy to address the issue, including reappointing board adjudicators and prioritizing the longest-waiting tenants.

Opinion: Ontario needs to fix a dysfunctional landlord and tenant board which has caused immense problems 

April 2, 2020

Although the recent government’s steps are a positive move towards addressing the issue, they have come too late. If the provincial government had taken responsible action to adequately staff the system critical to the health and safety of Ontarians in a timely manner, the crisis could have been prevented or significantly reduced.

Doug Ford’s efforts to promote home ownership may earn him the title of a champion for the middle class, but his government’s failure to protect renters paints a different picture. Tenants and landlords both deserve timely justice when they face issues, and the provincial government should work tirelessly to ensure that they receive it. More needs to be done to guarantee that tenants and landlords are provided with the justice they deserve. (AI)

 

Posted in: Ontario Tagged: 2023-09, affordability, dispute, Doug Ford, home, housing, landlord, Landlord and Tenant, Ontario, ownership, rent

Tuesday May 9, 2023

May 9, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday May 9, 2023

Ontario’s Greenbelt: A Crown Jewel Under Threat

March 23, 2023

Doug Ford’s ties to Greenbelt developers have been in the spotlight for months, but the actual land that will be lost is often overlooked. About 5,000 acres of prime farmland in Pickering, part of the world’s largest Greenbelt, are expected to be paved over for housing. Victor Doyle, the planner who designed the original Greenbelt map, emphasizes that this area should be preserved, as it not only offers excellent farmland but also supports and protects the adjacent Rouge National Park. Doyle warns that putting housing here will contaminate the watershed that flows into Lake Ontario and harm local wildlife.

February 16, 2023

Premier Doug Ford’s government has claimed that whatever land is taken from the Greenbelt will be added elsewhere, but Green Party leader Mike Schreiner argues that only five percent of Ontario’s land mass is suitable for growing food. The government has set a deadline for developers, with housing approvals required to be in progress by the end of this year and shovels in the ground by 2025, or the land goes back to the province. The province is also planning on building Highway 413, cutting through farmland and conservation land.

November 9, 2022

While Ford has claimed that his government has added to the Greenbelt in a land swap to make up for the planned development, much of it is in already protected river valleys, according to Doyle. This small, finite, and fragile landscape is threatened by urbanization, and Doyle emphasizes the need to think hundreds of years into the future and manage this landscape better. The Greenbelt was created almost 20 years ago to protect the environment from urban sprawl, and it is important to ensure that it is not slowly destroyed by “death by a thousand cuts.” (AI)

 

Posted in: Ontario Tagged: 2023-08, coronation, crony, developer, Doug Ford, greenbelt, monarch, Ontario, real estate

Saturday April 28, 2023

April 29, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday April 28, 2023

Poilievre’s Sour Taste Can’t Dim the Love between Ford and Trudeau on EV Battery Deal

May 4, 2022

The recent announcement of the new Volkswagen battery plant in Ontario is a milestone moment for Canada’s electric vehicle supply chain. It will create 3,000 direct and 30,000 indirect jobs and attract billions of dollars in investment. The federal government, along with the Ontario provincial government, has committed $1.2 billion in capital costs and production subsidies to make this happen. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford were beaming with pride at the launch, both claiming credit for securing this deal for Canada.

However, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre was not happy with the announcement. Even before the exact size of the dollar figure was known, he criticized the deal, demanding to know how many jobs the government was buying. He took to Twitter to express his opposition, stating that “this money belongs to Canadians, not to a foreign corporation, not to Justin Trudeau.” His criticism drew a sharp response from Trudeau, who accused him of stoking anger among Canadians and of having no confidence, hard work, optimism, or willingness to invest in Canadians.

It’s not surprising that Poilievre is opposed to the deal. He has been a vocal critic of government subsidies, arguing that they are a waste of taxpayers’ money. However, he seems to be missing the bigger picture. The Volkswagen battery plant is a strategic investment in Canada’s future, and it will create much-needed jobs and economic growth. The government’s investment in the plant will be recouped in just five years, according to the federal government. This is a smart investment in Canada’s future that will benefit all Canadians, not just the ones who will be directly employed at the plant.

News: Poilievre asks PBO to analyze Ottawa’s commitment of $13-billion in subsidies for EV battery plant  

April 15, 2023

The contrast between Poilievre’s sour taste and the love between Ford and Trudeau on the EV battery deal is striking. Ford and Trudeau were united in their enthusiasm for the project, both claiming credit for securing the deal for Canada. They were joined by a host of federal, provincial, and municipal politicians, all eager to get a piece of the good publicity. It was a moment of unity and optimism, a sign that Canada can compete in the global economy and attract investment.

Poilievre’s criticism is not constructive. It’s easy to criticize from the sidelines, but it’s much harder to come up with a better plan. The Volkswagen battery plant is a game-changer for Canada, and it shows that the government is serious about investing in the future. It’s time for Poilievre to get on board and support this project, rather than trying to tear it down. Canada needs more unity and optimism, not anger and cynicism. (AI)

 

Posted in: Canada, Ontario Tagged: 2023-08, Canada, climate change, cooperation, Doug Ford, EV battery, federalism, Green Energy, indigenous, Justin Trudeau, logo, low, Ontario, Pierre Poilievre, Volkswagen
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This website contains satirical commentaries of current events going back several decades. Some readers may not share this sense of humour nor the opinions expressed by the artist. To understand editorial cartoons it is important to understand their effectiveness as a counterweight to power. It is presumed readers approach satire with a broad minded foundation and healthy knowledge of objective facts of the subjects depicted.

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