peel

Saturday December 30, 2023

Premier Doug Ford's numerous policy reversals in the past year, including the recent backtrack on dissolving Peel Region, reflect a concerning pattern of indecisiveness and a lack of strategic planning, raising doubts about his government's competence and the need for diligent efforts to rectify the resulting challenges in the months ahead.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday December 30, 2023

Doug Ford’s Policy Reversals: A Year of Wasted Time for Ontario

Young Doug Ford: The Series

As we welcome the dawn of a new year, it’s crucial to reflect on the actions and decisions that have shaped Ontario’s political landscape over the past year, particularly those of Premier Doug Ford and his Progressive Conservative government. Unfortunately, the prevailing sentiment is one of disappointment and frustration as the premier boasts about the numerous policy reversals undertaken during his tenure.

Premier Ford defends his government’s about-face on key issues as a testament to open-mindedness and responsiveness to the people. However, a closer look reveals a pattern of indecisiveness, a lack of foresight, and a disregard for the consequences of hastily made decisions. The recent announcement to abandon the plan to dissolve Peel Region, encompassing Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon, is just the latest in a series of policy backtracks that have left many questioning the competency of the Ford administration.

September 23, 2023

One of the most glaring examples of policy flip-flopping is the handling of the Ontario Greenbelt. The government initially decided to open up protected Greenbelt lands for housing development, only to reverse this decision after severe criticism from the auditor general and integrity commissioner. The subsequent RCMP investigation underscores the gravity of the situation and raises concerns about the transparency and integrity of the decision-making process.

News: Premier Doug Ford announces reversal of Greenbelt land removals  

December 1, 2022

The misuse of the notwithstanding clause to impose a contract on education workers, the ill-conceived introduction of barely visible blue licence plates, and the mishandling of the Ontario Autism Program all contribute to a growing list of policy failures. These missteps have not only eroded public trust but have also had tangible and lasting impacts on the lives of Ontarians.

The premier’s justification for these reversals often centres around a newfound willingness to listen to the concerns of the people. While adaptability is a commendable trait in a leader, it becomes a cause for concern when it reflects a lack of thorough research, consultation, and strategic planning before enacting policies. The late acknowledgment of issues raised by municipal leaders and experts, as seen in the case of Peel Region’s dissolution, only underscores the government’s failure to proactively address potential challenges.

Premier Doug Ford has fulfilled a 2018 election promise to expand alcohol sales in Ontario, allowing beer, wine, and other beverages to be sold in 8,500 new outlets by January 1, 2026, but the process has taken decades due to long-standing industry agreements.

December 15, 2023

The months ahead will undoubtedly require significant effort to rectify the damage caused by these policy reversals. The premier’s dismissive attitude towards the gravity of these mistakes raises doubts about his ability to navigate the challenges that lie ahead. The need for a more thoughtful and measured approach to governance is apparent, as Ontario cannot afford to waste more time on course corrections and backpedaling.

News: A list of policies and cuts the Doug Ford government has reversed  

As we enter the new year, Ontarians must hold their government accountable for the time, resources, and opportunities squandered due to a lack of effective leadership. It is time for Premier Ford to demonstrate a commitment to sound decision-making, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that Ontario can move forward with policies that truly benefit its citizens. The people of Ontario deserve a government that learns from its mistakes and works diligently to make up for the lost time and opportunities created by a year of policy reversals. (AI)

 

Tuesday November 24, 2020

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday November 24, 2020

Here’s a Colour coded map of Covid Ontario

November 5, 2020

The Ontario government released a brand new colour-coded framework last week that outlines rules, restrictions and zones for every region throughout the province based on its local COVID-19 situation. To help you keep track, we’ve created a map of each region and its current designated zone.

The framework includes five different zones, each with a specific colour attached: Prevent-Green, Protect-Yellow, Restrict-Orange, Control-Red and Lockdown-Grey. 

In the green zone, “restrictions reflect broadest allowance of activities in Stage 3,” according to the province, while the highest-risk settings remain closed. In the yellow zone, enhanced targeted enforcement, fines and enhanced education to limit further transmission are present, and public health measures for high-risk settings are also in place. 

November 12, 2020

The orange zone, meanwhile, includes enhanced measures, restrictions and enforcement while avoiding any closures, and the red zone includes broader-scale measures and restrictions across multiple sectors to control transmission (similar to modified Stage 2).

“Restrictions are the most severe available before widescale business or organizational closure,” says the province of the red zone. 

The grey zone can be compared to a modified Stage 1 or pre-Stage 1, according to the government, with widescale measures and restrictions, including closures, to halt or interrupt transmission.

Marvellous Maps

Regions have been placed in specific zones based on a number of indicators and thresholds, including case rates, per cent positivity, health system capacity and more. 

While no regions have been placed in the Lockdown-Grey zone just yet, the province’s COVID-19 hotspots — Toronto, Peel, Hamilton, York and Halton — are all currently in the red zone, and both Toronto and Peel have additional restrictions in place, introduced by their local public health authorities. 

The COVID-19 Pandemic

Provincial public health officials will be constantly reexamining the indicators and thresholds to determine whether regions should move forward or backwards through the zones. (BlogTO)