SCOOP: Peel's plea
Plus: it’s a deal, meet Parrish's housing crew, a familiar recruit in Liberal land, Ford's fresh marching orders, fall election whispers — and Stiles' push for cash, WSIB woe, Goldie's gone and more
It’s been a doozy of a week. A surprise end to the LCBO’s strike. Fall election speculation? An unlikely alliance to oust Goldie as chair. A big exit in Liberal land — and a who’s who of developers on one mayor’s housing squad.
But before we dig in: a warning and a plea from Peel’s triumvirate on the region’s ballooning debt and state of transitional limbo.
THE LEDE
SCOOP — Peel’s “Three Musketeers” are raising the alarm on the region’s ability to borrow cash — and say it’s time for the Hazel McCallion Act to be struck down.
That’s according to a joint letter from the region’s three mayors — Carolyn Parrish, Patrick Brown and Annette Groves — to Housing Minister Paul Calandra earlier this week.
At issue: The language of the bill, as passed, delegates the minister’s transition board with the power “to modify or undo” a “transaction, commitment or agreement” the region has entered, which, in turn, has made key lenders — with “no remedies” if a deal is unilaterally quashed — wary of entering new agreements.
The region sought counsel and was told “that they could no longer provide an unqualified legal opinion as assurance to investors on the enforceability” of the region’s debentures “on “the closing of any future debentures.”
“Peel is unable to access capital markets to borrow” without risk, they warned. Unable to issue debentures, Parrish, Brown and Groves told Calandra that the region would continue to face a “liquidity crisis that will delay and place at risk important infrastructure investments.”
Their ask(s): The trio say it’s time for the Hazel McCallion Act to be repealed.
The bill, initially introduced to turn Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon into standalone municipalities, was amended to conduct a review of the region’s structure instead. The bill’s “outstanding issues,” they argue, are impacting the region’s ability to build critical infrastructure.
In the interim, they’re asking the Ford government to approve regulatory changes that provide “assurances to the market” that lending would not come at risk. The regulation, they said, would “allow us to proceed with securing the funding we need” amid the cash crunch. They’re also requesting stopgap cash by October to ensure that the region’s capital projects are covered and avoid another loan extension.
Regionally, it’s topical. At last week’s regional council, a motion on the debt dilemma passed unanimously.
One council member said it’s to “reassure investors that Peel will honour the debt that we issue.” “We need this capital in order to maintain our good standards and to build infrastructure,” explained the motion’s sponsor, councillor Joe Horneck. “It’s for standard business. It’s not some spending spree. This is the money we need to have to run the region. It’s in keeping with good governance.”
With Parrish in as Mississauga’s new mayor, the memo is an early indication of the trio’s fresh approach to regional advocacy.
The three told Calandra that they’re “united” in their desire to ensure Peel Region remains a “well-oiled machine.” “We are committed to building new communities and to getting shovels in the ground on new housing projects as quickly as possible,” they added. “We are ready to work with you and your government to invest in our communities and our province.”
What’s ahead: Calandra’s spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment on the trio’s missive.
The transition board’s preliminary report has already been sent to the minister, recommending that the region’s waste collection and road maintenance, like planning, be downloaded to the municipalities. The completed report is due by the end of the month — and Calandra will make the last call on the proposed changes.
Meanwhile, speaking of Parrish: Mississauga’s new mayor has named a “Mayor’s Housing Task Force” to support the streamlining of housing approval processes.
The lineup includes executives of prominent development companies and some key donors from Parrish’s last campaign for councillor, according to her financial disclosure, including:
Alex De Gasperis — Deco Communities
John Gallucci — TMG Builders
Frank Doracin — Doracin Terra Strategies Limited
Mitchell Goldhar — SmartCentres
Brian Sutherland — Argoland, Lakeview Community Partners Ltd.
Familiar name? De Gasperis is related to Silvio De Gasperis, one of two “prominent developers” named in the provincial auditor’s Greenbelt report. Deco Communities is described as “a division” of TACC Group.
“A lot of males on Parrish’s housing task force. All developers, no community advocates or planners on the list,” reacted one source.
But another is optimistic. “If you want to build housing, you have to partner with developers,” a second texted. “They are essential to building the city. Now, let’s see what direction this task force goes. I hope it’s a positive direction.”
At the bargaining table — The LCBO and the union representing the liquor store’s workers have reached a deal.
According to the LCBO, “a tentative agreement” was reached and the strike will end on Monday — with store shopping set to resume a day later. The corporation “is now working to prepare our people and operations to return to business as usual.”
The Ford government’s line: “I am pleased that OPSEU and the LCBO have reached an agreement in principle to end the strike. This is a good deal for workers and welcome news for Ontarians,” Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said in a curt statement.
What the union was saying: “We are going to the table in a position of power,” they said in an internal memo — explaining that they would present a proposal to management. “We’ll see if they’re really working towards [our] shared interests.”
According to one labour industry source, prolonged bargaining was a positive. “If there is a deal possible, it can happen quickly and is less about the number of days and more about the amount of progress being made in a session,” they texted. “Some fixate on the number of days, or lack thereof, but bargaining can happen relatively quickly if a reasonable agreement is the rhetorical goal of both parties.”
But another said there’s a caveat: “If it’s with this government, it’s possible that it’s just as frustrating and as much a waste of time as before. There’s no way to tell.”
Meanwhile, the Tories sped up the timeline for the sale of ready-to-drink beverages in convenience stores this week — calling it an “important milestone” in the plan to liberalize booze. RTDs went on sale Thursday, instead of early next month, as planned.
AT THE PALACE
— The House is out for the summer.
— Here’s what’s ahead at committee:
Justice Policy: The committee will meet on Tuesday and Wednesday for public hearings on intimate partner violence. Among those set to speak:
Kirsten Mercer — Goldblatt Partners LLP
Shelina Jeshani — Safe Centre of Peel
Joe Williams and Mark Tenaglia — The Oaks Revitalization Association
Nuzhat Jafri — Canadian Council of Muslim Women
Belinda Marchese — Jean Tweed Centre
Sue Taylor and Liza Ritchie — Interval House of Hamilton
Cora McGuire Cyrette — Ontario Native Women’s Association
Robin Heald — Child Witness Centre
Mohammed Baobaid — Muslim Resource Centre for Social Support and Integration
Nancy Johnson, Rebekah Ederer, Sarah Whelan and Rebecca Timms — Chiefs of Ontario
Anna Betty Achneepineskum and Loretta Sheshequin — Nishnawbe Aski Nation
Sara Casselman and Lyndsey Butcher — Sexual Assault Support Centre
Procedure and House Affairs: The committee is heading to Kingston for a Thursday meeting to study “the need for rehabilitation and restoration” of the leg. The agenda is still up in the air.
— The Ontario NDP’s Youth will hold a virtual policy convention on Sunday.
— Mr. Premier’s new mandate letters are out. During an impromptu scrum, Ford said that he’s issued fresh ministerial marching orders to “move the province forward.”
Asked about a rumour that he’s ordered his cabinet to ram through the agenda quickly — with speculation of an early election — Ford was tight-lipped: “I can’t say there’s really a rush.”
Will we see them? “No,” per Ford’s spokesperson.
— In a rare interview, Premier Ford didn’t rule out an early election — but said it’s not on his mind. “I never rule out anything, but my main focus is to continue moving the province forward and really focusing on the things that people really care about — and that’s the economy that drives everything else,” he said.
The opposition parties are already using Ford’s line to collect cash.
“In an exclusive interview, Doug Ford just told the Toronto Star he won’t “rule out anything” when it comes to an early election call,” wrote Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie in an internal email blast. “Ontario cannot afford another four years of Doug Ford. Chip in right now to help us run a winning election campaign — whenever it may be.”
Catch up on our exclusive on the Opposition parties’ campaign war rooms and talent hunt.
— Over in Liberal land: There’s a new executive director.
Simon Tunstall — who ran the party’s last leadership election — is replacing Mandy Moore, who has been at the helm since the last provincial election. Moore is set to formally exit Liberal HQ in a short while.
There’s optimism about Crombie’s pick. Tunstall — who will oversee the incoming nomination blitz — is no stranger to the job. He served as director under both Dalton McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne.
“Simon’s great,” texted one Liberal. “He was fantastic during leadership.”
Meanwhile, the nomination torpedo is in full speed. Two more incumbents — Andrea Hazell and Mary-Margaret McMahon — have been nominated to carry the Liberal banner in Scarborough—Guildwood and Beaches—East York, respectively.
Crombie, we’re told, has zeroed in on three ridings where she could run, including Mississauga Centre and East Cooksville.
Word on the street is that the Tories are already in search of a new candidate to replace Kaleed Rasheed, who quit caucus over the infamous trip to Vegas. It would be easier for Crombie to win against a new challenger, though Liberals are not concerned about her winning a seat in her city (although the Tories’ internal polling still project a blue wave in Mississauga).
Don’t forget your roots: Mississauga’s former mayor was out and about over the weekend — visiting the Lakeview Farmers’ Market.
— On Stiles’ ship: The NDP is looking to score a buck from the leader’s stump speech to a crowd of supporters last month — rolling out a promo with clips from that speech and launching an “early election campaign” fund.
In an email blast to supporters, Stiles’ team says they “think Doug Ford will call an early election this fall.” “We have a huge fight ahead of us,” they wrote. “Not only are the Conservatives raising more money than ever before, and way more than us, but they are actively looking for ways to cement their grip on power.”
— The leg has an updated, slick site, featuring a new parliamentary calendar.
— The shortlist for the Speaker's Book Award is out. Here’s who made the cut:
Ken Dryden’s “The Class: A Memoir of a Place, a Time and Us”
Deborah Dundas’ “On Class”
Liz Grace’s “Resilient: Surviving My Mental Illness”
Heidi LM Jacobs’ “1934: The Chatham Coloured All-Stars’ Barrier-Breaking Year”
Steve Paikin’s “John Turner: An Intimate Biography of Canada’s 17th Prime Minister”
Adam Shoalts’ “Where the Falcon Flies”
IN THE NEWS
— NDP MPP Lise Vaugeois says it is “deeply troubling” that the Ford government is “considering raiding the general insurance fund to give rebates to employers when so many workers are nickel and dimed to death.”
That’s in response to our scoop on possible changes to the Workplace Safety Insurance Board.
Recall: A poll by Campaign Research surveyed the possibility of creating a new, standalone agency to “promote workplace safety and training,” while “lowering the premiums employers pay if they will not likely be needed to cover lost wages and medical expenses for injured workers.”
“This survey is another game to twist reality into fitting conservative political objectives which are to increase profits for businesses, regardless of the cost to people’s lives, utterly changed because of injuries or illnesses acquired at work,” said Vaugeois.
BTW: We did reach out to Labour Minister David Piccini’s team for comment but did not hear back.
— Premier Ford spoke to reporters at the end of the annual all-Premiers’ summit in Halifax — and said a ton. Here’s what he had to say:
On the equalization formula: “I’ve always said, as Ontario, the most populous province, we need to support the smaller provinces. I think Ontario has shown that for the last six years. But it’s a discussion that we’re going to continue.”
On the relationship across the border: “We’re going to be working with our US counterparts, as a new administration, whoever it might be, is sworn in. We’ll go down there and have a conversation; it’s not just buy America, it’s buy North American.”
On asylum seekers: “We’re just asking the federal government to give our fair share. I have quite a few of them up in my riding; they want to work, they want a life. It’s taking way too long to get a working visa from the federal government. We’re spending over a billion dollars. We need a working visa for these folks as quickly as possible, rather than sticking them in a hotel like they do on the airport strip in Toronto, in a little room, with a couple kids, playing in the parking lot. They want a better life. They want to work and contribute to society.”
— With two deals inked with student protestors, the University of Windsor says it is “engaged” with the Ford government about “ways to advance dialogue with the Jewish community and ensure all students feel included, safe, and welcome.”
Here’s more on the pair of agreements, which “include a pledge not to enter into academic collaborations with Israeli universities ‘until the right of Palestinian self-determination has been realized,’ as well as taking a close look at Windsor’s investment policies.”
— Meanwhile, the University of Toronto “agreed not to take legal or disciplinary action” against those involved in the encampment at King’s College Circle.
— Amid an ongoing challenge to keep his call records private because they are “not related” to government business, Ford is still handing out his personal cell number to help address callers’ issues.
— The clash over Ontario Place’s overhaul is back in court today, as a provincial judge considers Ontario Place Protectors’ case against the province on the demolition of “trees, shrubs or buildings” at the site.
— Despite this week’s storm, the Science Centre’s roof is still standing. “Nothing happened, thank goodness,” said the infrastructure minister.
— Former president Donald Trump’s assassination attempt was met with a prompt message from Ford: “Political violence has no place in a democracy.”
— Ontario is reporting a rise in Mpox (previously known as “monkeypox”).
ON THE MOVE
— Joel Harden has been greenlit to run for the federal NDP nomination in Ottawa Centre.
Who he’s up against: Former councillor and mayoral candidate Catherine McKenney publicly mused about a bid for the orange banner — but hadn’t made up their mind.
— Clash at committee: Goldie Ghamari — who was booted from the government’s caucus over a call with the founder of the English Defence League — is out as chair of Justice Policy. Lorne Coe is the committee’s new chair.
For the Tories, it’s about standard procedure. PC MPP Jess Dixon, who introduced the motion, explained that removing Ghamari from her chairmanship would make sense given the allocation of chairs based on party representation.
But for the Dippers, it’s more than that. Ghamari couldn’t preside over the committee and create “an environment where difficult stories can be shared,” said one member, when she “holds hateful views about certain marginalized groups in Ontario, namely Muslim and Arab community members” and allies with “far-right extremists.”
Read up on the who, why and what’s next for the rookie independent.
— Ahead of the party’s upcoming annual meeting in London, the Ontario Young Liberals’ executive campaign is underway. One slate — OYL Together — is already out the door and so far, running uncontested. Here’s who’s on the ticket:
Palwashah Ali — President
She’s the president of the University of Toronto Young Liberals and is part of Adil Shamji’s constituency team.
“We’re hitting the ground running,” she said. “We have a formidable team of some of the strongest young organizers in the province, and I’m feeling incredibly optimistic about the future.”
Keagan McNeil — Executive Vice President
Bruce Baker — Vice President (French)
MacKenzie Collings — Vice President of Organization
Lauren Wilkinson — Treasurer
Tréden Roseau — Student Director
Stacy Kiseliouk — Riding Director
Soobin Sung — Community Engagement Director
Domenic Sbergio — High School Coordinator
Shayan Hayder — Communications Director
Hamza Kamal — Policy Director
WHAT WE'RE READING
— Welcome to the jungle. Yes, the jungle. This, according to meteorologists, is Ontario’s most rainy summer on record.
— John Michael McGrath says the decision to close the Science Centre “isn’t about engineering — it’s about politics.”
— Brian Lilley argues that the LCBO strike is “only hurting the workers on the picket line and the hospitality industry.”
— Meanwhile, Jesse Kline says it’s time for Doug Ford to seize the opportunity and sell the LCBO, calling it a “win for consumers and local businesses in the long run” — and a “signal that Ontario is finally open for business.”
— Premier Ford’s old shack is available for rent on Airbnb. The reaction? Read for yourself.
— These three mayors are “relying heavily on the strong mayor powers” — and according to internal documents, while the province is watching, there’s no plan to step in.
— Martin Regg Cohn says that with Ford at the helm of the Council of the Federation, if he’s looking “to make his mark as a leader among premiers, he needs to have something more enduring to say.”
— Public institutions “are creating communications bottlenecks with top down, stage managed messaging which strangle the waning transparency journalists are struggling to hold onto for as long as we can.”
— Here's the forecasted average price of a house next year (spoiler alert: it’s going to climb).
— The Ministry of Labour is on the lookout for actors. But you can’t be unionized.
— Sneh Duggal with more on a trove of child care projects classified as “cancelled,” costing around $11 million in “sunk costs.”
— The province says money spent to bring EV manufacturers to Ontario “have not been wasted” with Ford Motor Company set to produce a gas-powered truck at a plant initially intended for zero-emissions vehicles.
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Have a copy of the transition board’s report? The marching orders? Hit me up — ahmad@newsbeyond.ca — with a spicy leak or tip and all the hot BBQ gossip. I’ll keep you anon. We’re back in your inbox next Friday.