Saturday, October 25, 2003

NEW GOVERNMENT, NEW DIRECTION

Belated, but as promised, a few thoughts on the new Ontario Liberal government of Dalton McGuinty.

So far the new premier is doing all of the right things in setting out a new direction for the province. His first actions and pronouncements include:

1. The appointment of a strong and diverse cabinet, smaller than those of Harris and Eves.

McGuinty’s cabinet includes veterans of political office from the government of David Peterson such as new Finance Minister Greg Sorbara. The cabinet also includes government newcomers who none the less have wealth of other experience such as Labour Minister Chris Bentley who holds law degrees from the University of Western Ontario, U of T and Cambridge, has practiced criminal and labour law and has taught continuing education courses for judges, crown and defence attorneys and police officers.
McGuinty’s is the first cabinet in several governments to actually be smaller than that of its predecessors. Although premier Harris prided himself on shrinking the amount of government in many ways his cabinet was the biggest in Ontario history. McGuinty’s move indicates a desire to keep the executive at a reasonable size and under control.

2. Creation of a new ministry for Public Infrastructure.

The infrastructure of Ontario’s cities has been eroding for a long time and requires increased public investment. The upkeep of public infrastructure, like roads and sewers, is one of the most basic responsibilities government has. Hopefully this new ministry indicates a new commitment.

3.Canceling tax deductions for private schools.

Publicly funded schools have been at the heart of creating a well education, responsible, critical, tolerant citizenry in Ontario since the Common School Amendment Act of 1841. For the government to begin funding private schools undermines this system. Canceling these tax deductions shows a much needed re-commitment to public education.

4. Removing the private consultants currently operating the school boards of Toronto, Hamilton and Ottawa.

Education minister Gerard Kennedy has said he wants to remove these consultants prior to the upcoming municipal elections so that new school trustees can be elected. As McGuinty has said "we're going to move as quickly as we can to re-establish local democracy when it comes to public education in Ontario." Absolutely. Removing these trustees in the first place was an attack on democratic institutions.

5. Holding a public inquiry into the fatal police shooting of Aboriginal protester Dudley George.

For the entire term of the Harris/Eves government, both refused to call a public inquiry into this event. Finally, the public will be able to learn the details of the circumstances surrounding this event and the role played by politicians and public servants can be examined openly.

6. Freezing auto insurance rates

This indicates that the government is willing to take active steps to regulate the economy when there is a strong need and desire from the citizenry.

7. A guarantee to resume the legislature by November 19.

Under the Harris/Eves government the legislature sat for the least amount of time of any other in history, and Harris’s attendance record in his second term was the worst of any premier ever. By resuming the legislature before the Christmas break, McGuinty acknowledges that our MPPs work in the legislature and that the government is working when the legislature is in session.

All of these actions and proposed actions show a commitment to re-investing public resources in Ontario and acknowledging that the government can actively work for the improvement of the province. McGuinty faces a budget deficit and a great number of people who expect him to give them everything the Torries denied them. McGuinty will have to balance the budget and make people realize that just because he is not Mike Harris does not mean that everyone is going to get their way. So far, however, McGuinty is doing all the right things.

Posted by Matthew @ 8:39 p.m.