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Thursday February 14, 2019

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday February 14, 2019

Blasting Premier Doug Ford for cronyism in appointments

February 14, 2018

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath is cranking up the heat on Progressive Conservative Premier Doug Ford as MPPs prepare to return to Queen’s Park next week.

In a fiery speech last Friday to New Democrats at an Ajax caucus meeting, Horwath accused Ford of cronyism.

“He’s handing out tickets on his gravy train. And while the appointments, the backroom deals, and the favours to friends are piling up, the rest of Ontario is paying for it,” she said.

January 12, 2019

That’s an apparent reference to the Tories’ bid to install Toronto police Supt. Ron Taverner, a Ford pal, as commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police.

Integrity commissioner J. David Wake is currently doing an ethics investigation into the appointment, which has raised questions about the independence of the OPP. Taverner, 72, is in limbo until Wake’s probe, which was triggered by an NDP complaint, is complete.

Horwath also took aim at Dr. Rueben Devlin, head of the premier’s council on tackling hospital overcrowding.

Animated!

“What has Doug Ford done? He has launched a sham health-care consultation and given his buddy a $1-million contract to consult, all while scheming behind closed doors to overhaul health care, and throw open the door to unprecedented levels of privatization,” she said.

Last week, the NDP was leaked draft legislation that proposes to reform the health-care system by creating a new super agency that Horwath claims would increase privatization of medical services.

Health Minister Christine Elliott has denied that charge, insisting nothing has been “finalized.” (Source: Toronto Star) 

 

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Thursday, February 14, 2013By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday, February 14, 2013

Revised casino motion leaves door open

Sam Merulla says he has struck a last-minute deal with his fellow city councillors that identifies Flamborough as the only site for a casino, but still gives Hamilton wiggle room to pursue other locations.
Merulla initially planned to introduce a motion, naming Flamboro Downs as the only possible location for a gaming facility, at Thursday afternoon’s special casino meeting.

However, his updated motion leaves the door open for other locations if Flamboro proves to be problematic.

A draft of the compromise motion, obtained by The Spectator Wednesday afternoon, states if potential operators “demonstrate that Flamboro Downs is not a viable site, then (and) only then will the city of Hamilton be willing to explore other sites of interest.”

The compromise motion has the support of the majority of councillors.

“I think in the context of division looking for unanimity on such a divisive issue, this is the best we can do that will satisfy both sides,” said Councillor Terry Whitehead, adding Merulla’s motion wouldn’t have passed without the amendment. “Everyone’s agreed.”

But Councillor Brian McHattie says he’s not sure if he can support it.

“I much preferred just the straightforward motion that he had just to identify Flamboro, period,” McHattie said. “It’s not where I wanted to be and where a lot of folks wanted to be — with no consideration of the downtown now or even in the future.” (Source: Hamilton Spectator)