Get it Done Act

Saturday February 24, 2024

Doug Ford's "Get It Done" Act, while criticized as a political gimmick prioritizing highway construction over environmental concerns, contrasts with positive collaborative efforts with Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow on housing initiatives.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday February 24, 2024

Doug Ford’s “Get It Done” Act: A Gimmick in Environmental Clothing

Series: Young Doug Ford

Premier Doug Ford’s introduction of the Get It Done Act has raised eyebrows and drawn criticism from various quarters, and for good reason. While the government’s intent to expedite infrastructure projects is commendable, the bill appears to be more of a political gimmick than a comprehensive solution. The legislation, echoing the campaign slogan of “Get It Done,” seeks to streamline environmental assessments for highways and hasten expropriation processes, but its broader implications are cause for concern.

The bill’s primary focus on fast-tracking major infrastructure projects, especially highways, raises questions about its alignment with Ontario’s environmental priorities. The decision to categorize highways as “low risk” for rapid environmental approvals seems shortsighted, potentially sacrificing thorough assessments for expediency. Critics argue that the emphasis on projects like Highway 413 distracts from pressing issues such as healthcare, affordable housing, and education.

News: Ontario omnibus bill ‘Get It Done Act’ to contain urban boundary changes

Doug Ford's "Get It Done Act" is criticized as a political distraction from Ontario's healthcare and housing crises, with opposition leaders questioning the effectiveness of performative measures in the omnibus bill.

February 22, 2024

Environmentalists and opposition leaders, including Green Party leader Mike Schreiner and NDP leader Marit Stiles, have voiced reservations about the bill. Schreiner labels it the “Get It Done Wrong Act,” emphasizing the government’s misplaced priorities. Stiles expresses concerns about the government “tinkering around” with vital processes and questions its ability to listen to the needs of the people.

The claim that the bill aims to make life more affordable for families and businesses by streamlining processes seems disconnected from its actual provisions. Freezing the fee for renewing a driving license, a seemingly unrelated measure, is thrown into the mix, further diluting the bill’s focus and raising questions about its coherence.

However, it’s essential to acknowledge instances where Premier Ford has demonstrated collaboration and effectiveness in governance. Recently, the City of Toronto received over $100 million from the Ford government as a reward for surpassing housing targets. Premier Ford and Mayor Olivia Chow jointly announced the funding, highlighting Toronto’s accomplishment in breaking ground on 50% more houses than required.

News: Ontario gives Toronto $114M for exceeding its 2023 housing targets

June 28, 2023

This collaborative approach in addressing housing challenges is commendable, showcasing a positive aspect of Premier Ford’s administration. Encouraging other municipalities to emulate Toronto’s success in meeting housing targets is a step in the right direction, fostering a sense of shared responsibility among local leaders.

While Premier Doug Ford’s “Get It Done” Act may be seen as a politically charged move to fulfill campaign promises, its focus on expediting environmental assessments for highways raises concerns about environmental stewardship. On the flip side, the collaborative efforts with Mayor Olivia Chow on housing initiatives demonstrate the potential for constructive governance. Striking a balance between expediency and environmental responsibility is crucial for Ontario’s future, and the government must carefully consider the long-term implications of its legislative actions. (AI)

 

Thursday February 22, 2024

Doug Ford's "Get It Done Act" is criticized as a political distraction from Ontario's healthcare and housing crises, with opposition leaders questioning the effectiveness of performative measures in the omnibus bill.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday February 22, 2024

Doug Ford’s ‘Get It Done’ Act: A Distraction from Real Issues

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.

January 23, 2024

As Premier Doug Ford proudly presents his “Get It Done Act” to the Ontario legislature, it becomes increasingly clear that this omnibus bill is more of a political maneuver than a genuine effort to address the pressing problems facing the province.

The legislation, borrowing its title from Ford’s 2022 election slogan, aims to streamline infrastructure projects, eliminate fees, and impose restrictions on future carbon taxes and tolls. However, the opposition parties have dismissed it as performative, with good reason.

News: Doug Ford hopes to finally ‘Get It Done’ when legislature resumes Tuesday

One glaring issue is the misalignment between Ford’s proclaimed priorities and the actual challenges plaguing Ontario. While the Premier is busy pushing for expedited construction and cost-of-living concerns, the real crises in healthcare and housing continue to be overlooked.

October 22, 2022

The proposed urban boundary changes, although claimed to be in response to municipal requests, raise questions about the government’s commitment to effective and consultative policymaking. It appears that reversals and policy U-turns have become the norm, showcasing a lack of strategic planning.

The headline-grabbing elements of the bill, such as the carbon pricing referendum and the ban on new tolls, appear more as political tactics than practical solutions. Opposition leaders rightly point out the performative nature of these measures, emphasizing their potential to be easily undone by a future government.

The skepticism is further fuelled by Ford’s selective memory. While he adamantly opposes carbon taxes now, he conveniently forgets that Ontarians were exempt from the federal levy until his government canceled the cap-and-trade alliance, costing the provincial treasury $2 billion annually.

November 12, 2021

The focus on a carbon pricing referendum and toll bans seems more like a desperate attempt to divert attention from ongoing controversies, such as the Greenbelt land swap scandal and the $8.28-billion Greenbelt debacle under RCMP investigation.

What’s truly disheartening is the disregard for critical issues like healthcare. The shortage of family doctors, overcrowded hospitals, and the burnout of healthcare workers should be at the forefront of any government’s agenda. Yet, Ford’s “Get It Done Act” seems to turn a blind eye to the real needs of Ontarians.

News: Meet some of the 6 million Canadians who don’t have a family doctor

As the Premier tries to deflect attention with performative policies, it’s essential for Ontarians to see through the political posturing and demand real solutions to the problems that affect their daily lives. The “Get It Done Act” may sound promising, but actions speak louder than slogans, and it’s time for the government to prioritize substance over optics.