MPPs go out with a bang
Housing promos, strong mayors and the LG, oh my!
ABOVE THE FOLD
THE HOUSE IS OUT — MPPs are heading back to their ridings for the winter recess and — barring any emergency recall — they won’t be back at it in the Legislature until after the Family Day long weekend on February 21.
After a couple of midnight sittings, the PCs managed to pass all their remaining bills into law — including political-hot-potato Bill 39, which makes strong mayors even stronger and effectively enshrines minority rule in the 416 and 613 (though Ottawa says it won’t use the powers).
Cue the criticism. Environmental advocates, mayors and other critics took the opportunity to reiterate their opposition to the PCs latest moves on the housing file.
“By giving select ‘strong mayors’ the power to pass by-laws with support from only a third of elected councillors, the Ford government has dealt a lethal blow to public participation in municipal decision making. It is undemocratic, unfair and unnecessary,” said Green Leader MIKE SCHREINER.
Meanwhile, the O…