Irregularities, a candidate rush and a new session
Plus: poll watch, Crombie's mystery, Zee's jab, Mr. Speaker says bye, pocket cash en route, Trudeau's new campaign director, a regulatory digest and more
PRESENTED BY POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE
THE LEDE
We’re three days out from the start of the fall session — and it’s shaping up to be a busy one. Bringing more ammo to next week’s debate: Marit Stiles' fresh integrity complaint.
The NDP has asked Integrity Commissioner J. David Wake to investigate possible “preferential treatment” Therme received from the Ford government to land a lease for the overhaul of Ontario Place.
“We have uncovered evidence that calls into question the fairness and integrity of the Call For Development process and subsequent decisions related to Ontario Place,” wrote Stiles. “This evidence suggests that Therme received preferential treatment... as a result of decisions for which Minister Kinga Surma is ultimately responsible.”
— In her affidavit, the leader said there were “irregularities” in the call for the development of Ontario Place. The process, Stiles said, was “unlike other procurement processes overseen by the ministry.” “It indicates that the province may take ownership of any ideas contained in submission without compensation, may select a party that didn’t meet the process requirements, may select a party that didn't even submit a bid...”
Five days before the deadline, it was extended. The party says some bidders “had already submitted bids by this point” but Therme had not. Once the deadline passed, a policy paper, obtained via freedom of information, revealed the government’s plans for a “waterpark attraction” — mirroring the footprint of Therme’s proposed facility.
— Therme’s deal also included a public parking space, despite a warning to prospective bidders that any proposal requiring “capital investments for planning, design or construction from the government will not be considered.”
— Stiles also raised concerns over irregular contact between a lobbyist for Therme — John Perenack — and the government over a media request. It was later forwarded to Premier Ford's team and the response from Pat Sackville — as Executive Director of Policy — according to Stiles, “indicat[ed] that there had been other instances of such external communications, and that Mr. Sackville knew about them.”
— Four individuals were named in the testimony as “people who might have pertinent information regarding the Ontario Place redevelopment.” That included: former Toronto police chief Mark Saunders, Carmine Nigro, former deputy chief of staff Mark Lawson (who, according to his LinkedIn, is a Vice President at Therme Group) and Adrian Ion, the group’s CFO.
Read Stiles’ complete testimony here, including more on irregularities around the Science Center.
What’s next: The commissioner’s spokesperson says Stiles’ request is “under review.” Meanwhile, Surma says she “look[s] forward to assisting the Integrity Commissioner.” “Though I was not minister at the time [Therme was selected], I am the minister now.”
A message from Political Intelligence:
AT THE PALACE
— The fall session will begin on Monday. No committee meeting is scheduled.
— Here’s what’s ahead in the fundraising world:
A mystery — and pricey — breakfast “in support of the Ontario PC Party” in Toronto this morning.
Liberal Andrea Hazell will host a “Fall BBQ” tomorrow at Scarborough Village Recreation Centre.
Bonnie Crombie is headlining ”an evening in support” of Liberal candidate Elizabeth Mendes at Capra's Kitchen in Lakeshore on Monday.
For the NHL crowd: Crombie will join former Maple Leafs captain Wendel Clark to collect cash for the York Centre riding association.
— The Ontario Medical Association is hosting a Queen's Park Day on Monday to “present and advocate for solutions to key challenges in health care,” with a luncheon at 11:30 a.m.
The group launched a new campaign, which president Dominik Nowak says will focus on the “lived experiences of patients and physicians,” with six key priorities: family medicine, northern and rural health care, emergency department closures, surgical, specialist and diagnostic wait times; workforce shortages and digital innovation.
— Kerry's Place will host a reception at 5 p.m. to “bring awareness to the critical importance of continued support for services that improve the quality of life for autistic children, youth, adults and families.”
— Breast Cancer Canada will be on the front lawn on Tuesday "to be a champion for routine testing and to celebrate the critical advancements in breast cancer screening."
— A coalition of “cycling and road safety advocates” will host a rally and bike ride on the south lawn on Wednesday at 5 p.m. to tell the province that “bike lanes are part of the solution to make it quicker, safer and easier for all road users to travel around.”
— Nomination watch: Two more faces are joining the Liberal ticket tonight: Cathy Burghardt-Jesson — Lucan Biddulph’s mayor who ran in May — will carry the banner in Lambton—Kent—Middlesex. Qasir Dar — the chair of the federal party’s Ontario wing — will also be nominated in Mississauga—Erin Mills.
Orangeville councillor Tess Prendergast will be nominated in Dufferin—Caledon, with local trustee Dorothy Noronha in Northumberland–Peterborough South and former police chief Peter Yuen in Scarborough—Agincourt.
Jill Promoli, a local trustee and vaccine advocate, got the nod in Streetsville on Monday. Promoli Buttons™ were passed around at the nomination event:
Sam Nestico was nominated in York Centre, while Vince Gasparro was nominated in Eglinton—Lawrence. Gasparro, a former advisor to Toronto mayor John Tory, was named to Bonnie Crombie’s climate action committee and is viewed as a star candidate. PC Robin Martin eeked out a win by less than 800 votes in the last election.
Ford’s team wasted no time launching an attack on the new candidate:
Meanwhile, a race is shaping up for Team Crombie’s first contested nomination. In Burlington, Oliver Parker, a federal public servant and PhD candidate (a self-described “YIMBY”) will duel it out with former trustee and board chair Andrea Grebenc.
Mady Calzavara, who led media for Alvin Tedjo’s mayoral campaign in Mississauga, will steer Parker’s communications.
No word yet on where Crombie will run. We told you that she’s privately eyeing the Liberal banner in Mississauga Center, but Mississauga’s former mayor says she’s now “down to two or three ridings.” PC Zee Hamid took a swipe at Crombie for keeping everyone guessing: “A simple decision about the riding one wants to represent shouldn't take this long.”
(One Liberal threw shade: “Says the guy who was bribed into switching party allegiance with the promise of a significant portfolio boost”).
— Dawn Gallagher Murphy (Newmarket—Aurora) and Trevor Jones (Chatham—Kent—Leamington) are back on the Tories' ballot.
— Jeff Burch and Guy Bourgouin will again carry the NDP banner in Niagara Centre and Mushkegowuk—James Bay, respectively.
Harvey Bischof and Mike Gatopoulos are set to clash over the nomination in Brantford on Tuesday. Jennie Stevens will be nominated in St. Catharines on Friday.
— Former mayoral candidate Catherine McKenney is making a bid for the NDP nomination in Ottawa Centre.
“We will fight to get the schools our families need, health care we deserve, housing that is affordable, transit that serves us well, and a strong and sustainable province that is focused on you,” McKenney wrote. “I’m excited to stand alongside Marit Stiles and the Ontario NDP as we work to deliver the change Ontario deserves. There’s more to come, but for now — let me know if I can count on your support.”
Recall: The seat is held by Joel Harden, one of three in Marit Stiles’ caucus eyeing a federal leap. McKenney considered a federal bid, which could have seen her duel the nomination out with Harden.
— Over in the Green quarter, Matt Richter — who placed a close second in Parry Sound Muskoka — is set to be nominated on Saturday.
Check out who's already been nominated using our interactive tracker.
IN THE NEWS
— The Ford government will land a mini budget on Halloween Eve — and it's promising to be loaded with campaign freebies.
What we know: Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy announced that the Fall Economic Statement — a mid-year economic snapshot — will drop earlier than expected. It’s typically out in November but is likely being moved up to avoid being drowned out by the election south of the border.
He hinted that it will be “the next chapter in our plan to responsibly manage Ontario’s finances and get it done for the families, workers and businesses of our great province.”
The government is poised to deliver rebate cheques to combat “stubbornly high grocery prices and energy and housing expenses.” It's a move the opposition called “out of touch” and an attempt to “buy [voters] out.”
What’s to come: We’re expected to learn more about how much it’ll cost to liberalize booze and potentially, more on a plan to build a tunnel under the 401.
— Speaker Ted Arnott will not run in the next provincial election.
“To everything, there is a season,” he said. “The time has come for me to consider whether I will run in the next provincial election, whenever it comes. After many conversations with my family in recent weeks, I have decided that I will not be a candidate… when that election is called.”
“I want to thank Speaker Ted Arnott for his extraordinary record of public service, both as speaker and as a MPP,” Premier Ford said.
Meanwhile, Kaleed Rasheed — who quit cabinet and caucus over a Las Vegas trip with a developer connected to the Greenbelt land swap — is also making an exit. “This decision, though not made lightly, has been made with a profound sense of gratitude.” Here’s his full statement.
Listen up: This reporter joined The 905er — a podcast on the GTHA region — earlier this month to preview the political climate, tee up how the political parties are gearing up for a potential snap election, and what went down at the Liberal policy convention in London.
— Andrew Bevan — former chief to Premier Kathleen Wynne and current chief to Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland — will be Justin Trudeau’s campaign director in the next election. “Andrew Bevan has been a leader in moving forward progressive priorities,” Trudeau said in a statement.
— Premier Ford says he’s pumped about Taylor Swift’s upcoming Toronto tour but suggested the “brilliant” artist should “stick to music and let the other folks stick to what they do best” over her endorsement of Kamala Harris for president.
POLL WATCH
— A new survey by Abacus found the Tories up with a snug lead at 44 per cent support. 24 per cent chose Bonnie Crombie's Liberals, while 22 per cent picked Marit Stiles' NDP. It’s the “widest lead” for Ford since the last election.
Across all demographic groups, the Tories dominate, leading among men by 21 per cent, among women by 11 and among the 60+ crowd by 25 per cent.
Regionally, they’re also ahead. Ford is leading by 31 per cent in the Greater Toronto Area, 18 per cent in the east and by 15 per cent in the lower west. In Toronto, they're up by 14 per cent. It's bad news for Crombie and Stiles: Stiles’ party may have a lock — one that could easily slip — on key ridings in Toronto, but with Ford holding a grip on Peel and ahead elsewhere, the path to government would be a tough climb.
Ford's favorability is holding steady — but Crombie is the least popular. 34 per cent have a positive view of Ford, with his disapproval down to 42 per cent. Crombie's disapproval rate is 35 per cent, while Stiles' is lower at 26 per cent. Both sit at 26 per cent approval.
The poll also measured public opinion on homeless encampments. 84 per cent see the camps as an issue, with 54 per cent calling it “a major problem.” 62% per cent said the province is “not doing enough to help municipalities deal” with the crisis. 80 per cent called for a compassionate approach, while 20 per cent want them gone.
Those in the Six and in the lower west are more likely to sound the alarm — but the younger you are, the more likely you are to think it’s a big deal.
Leave your tunnel vision behind. On the plan to build a tunnel under the 401, the survey found that most — 47 per cent — thought it was a bad idea, while 47 per cent thought it was good. 18 per cent were not sure.
There was less disapproval of the province purchasing the 407 ETR. 39 per cent thought it's a good idea, 22 per cent found it acceptable, while 18 per cent found it to be a bad move.
The methodology: The poll was conducted between October 3 and 10. A random sample of 997 eligible voters, “weighted according to census data,” were invited to complete an online survey. “The margin of error for a comparable probability based random sample of the same size is +/- 3.1%, 19 times out of 20.”
— Among the undecided, a fresh Liaison poll found Bonnie Crombie ahead of Doug Ford in Toronto, with 35 to 31 per cent support.
Here's the catch: The NDP is leading in the downtown, which would see a solid batch of their incumbents headed back. The point spread is three between Ford and Crombie in Scarborough.
— Internal polling by the Tories’ favourite polling shop found a 17 point lead for Ford.
IN THE REGISTRY
— Allowing use of surety bonds, payable on demand: The proposal would allow developers to use pay on demand surety bonds to meet municipal obligations imposed by land use planning approval.
— Washroom cleaning record: This proposal would require certain job sites under the Occupational Health and Safety Act — such as construction projects, industrial establishments and health care facilities — to “ensure that records of cleaning of washroom facilities are posted.”
— Enabling the development of additional residential units: This proposal would amend the Additional Residential Units regulation (O. Reg 299/19).
The change would “reduce or eliminate the need for landowners to obtain a rezoning or minor variance prior to construction” — which, the province says, would enable the creation of more ARUs.
— Allowing Metrolinx to accelerate infrastructure adjustments: The proposal would clear Metrolinx and other transit authorities to make “alterations to sewage or water distribution works” under local approval, for projects which will be owned by municipalities, which would help get key projects “built faster while maintaining environmental oversight.” Sewage and water systems “that will not eventually be transferred to municipal ownership will continue to require separate approvals.”
— Changes to the Consumer Reporting Act: The government is seeking feedback on a consultation paper outlining potential regulatory changes that support the implementation of the unproclaimed legislative changes to the Consumer Reporting Act. These include new obligations for consumer reporting agencies, such as providing consumer reports, scores, and security freezes, and sharing information on their websites.
— A new gun for police personnel: A new gun — TASER 10 — is being considered by the province for police and special constables’ use. The model can deploy up to 10 probes (up from 4), a longer range, and more flexible targeting. Training is required before a weapon is used.
— Feedback on expanded police jurisdiction: As per a legislatively required review, the government is in search of “public and stakeholder input” on the expansion of police powers under the Keeping Ontario Open for Business Act — which was introduced following a declared provincial state of emergency in response to the trucker convoy two years ago.
— A road pilot for automated commercial vehicles: This proposal would implement a new pilot program that would “permit eligible participants to test specific ACMVs (i.e., trucks over 4,500 kg) on roads, under defined conditions.”
WHAT WE'RE READING
— John Michael McGrath says when a government is looking to stall a project — housing or bike lanes, per se — they add layer upon layer of red tape.
— Two senior executives at Metrolinx — the chief planner and chief operating officer of rapid transit — have been let go in a major organizational revamp at the provincial transit agency.
— It was about time for a change, Edward Keenan wrote.
— The company building the Hazel McCallion Line is at risk of a credit rating cut if it can’t meet upcoming construction targets.
— Toronto is getting a new area code in response to a growing demand for phone numbers.
— An internal document highlighted federal concern about the 413's impact on endangered species. It also pointed out gaps in provincial information and a lack of attention to Indigenous Knowledge in the planning process.
— Michael Wilson and Preston Lim argue the civil justice system can be repaired without breaking the bank.
— Charlie Pinkerton has more on how a request for access to politically delicate information is handled.
— A group of childcare operators are threatening to close as of Monday if the province does not hit pause on a change to the funding formula.
— A team of trustees are apologizing but under investigation for a trip to Italy to buy expensive artwork for a new school.
— Raymond J. de Souza says Ford is ”a progressive in slow motion.”
— An investigation found that the system for testing truck drivers has been compromised by bribes, forged documents and rigged testing.
— Demand for electricity will soar due to EVs and AI.
IN THE LOBBY
Here's this week's list of new, renewed and amended lobbyist registrations:
Amir Remtulla (Amir Remtulla Inc.): Activa Holdings Inc., Talisker Corporation, Brookfield Properties Canada, Fitzrovia Real Estate, Baif Developments Limited
Peter Curtis (Pathway Group Inc.): Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses
Karl Baldauf (McMillan Vantage): Vector Institute
Alexandra Hoene (Loyalist Public Affairs): Institute of Canadian Agencies, Tay River Health Centre, Nuvo Built Inc.
David DiPaul (Growth.ca): Knowledgehook Inc.
Daniel Pascucci (Rubicon Strategy): Amazon Corporate LLC
Aidan GroveWhite (StrategyCorp Inc.): Tenblock Developments Inc.
Richard Ositashvili (StrategyCorp Inc.): Mistral Development Inc., Verra Mobility
Stefani Vukmanovic (Rubicon Strategy Inc.): Alexion Pharma Canada Corp.
Sara Szot (StrategyCorp Inc.): Verra Mobility
Brian Teefy (StrategyCorp Inc.): Verra Mobility, Vivid Seats
Michael Gimelshtein (The CCS Group): Echelon Wellness
Lee Boswell (Crestview Strategy): Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan, Rogers Communications Inc.
Jessica Georgakopoulos (Sussex Strategy Group): Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
Donald Gracey (CG Management & Communications): Sigma Healthtech, Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario/AATO
Felix Wong (PAA Advisory | Conseils): IGPC Ethanol Inc., Renewable Industries Canada
Raly Chakarova (RKC Professional Services): Building Up
Nathan Bains (Impact Public Affairs): Ontario Milk Transport Association
Mustapha Khamissa (Rubicon Strategy Inc.): Hydro One Networks Inc.
Andrew Retfalvi (Global Public Affairs Inc.): The Daymark Foundation, Eczema Society of Canada, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Canada, Hologic Canada ULC
Tom Teahen (Tom Teahen & Associates Inc.): OneClose Inc.
Joyce Mankarios (Sussex Strategy Group): Creative Energy
Benjamin Menka (Capital Hill Group): Intel of Canada Ltd.
Nathan Scheewe (The Capital Hill Group): CyberArk Software Canada Inc.
David Angus (The Capital Hill Group Inc.): Rycom, Celgene
Owen Crawford-Lem (Crestview Strategy): Algoma University
Ryon Dalir (Global Public Affairs Inc.): Ultragenyx Canada Inc., Lundbeck Canada Inc., Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society
Kelsey DeGagne (PAA Advisory | Conseils): IGPC Ethanol Inc.
Benjamin Lamb (Wellington Advocacy): Uber Canada Inc.
Ilona Siatka (2Traverse Strategy Group Inc.): OnPharm - United
Daniela Cavatassi (Kealey & Associates Inc.): Border City Athletic Club
Marc Kealey (Kealey & Associates Inc.): Border City Athletic Club
Noah Mondrow (Impact Public Affairs): Ontario Federation of All Terrain Vehicle Clubs
Kelly Baker (StrategyCorp Inc.): McKesson Canada
Garry Keller (StrategyCorp Inc.): Vivid Seats
Robin Martin (3Sixty Public Affairs): Pulmonary Hypertension Association of Canada
Kathleen Walsh (Compass Rose): Rogers Communications Inc.
Chris Benedetti (Sussex Strategy Group): BWXT Canada Ltd.
Patrick Dion (Patrick Dion Consulting): Receivables Management Association of Canada
Celyeste Power: Insurance Bureau of Canada/Bureau d'assurance du Canada
Marketa Evans: Colleges Ontario
Zahid Salman: GreenShield
Anthony Dale: Ontario Hospital Association
Tashia Batstone: FP Canada
Shannon Leininger: Cisco Systems Canada Co.
Francois Poirier: TransCanada PipeLines Limited
Paul Norris: Ontario Waterpower Association
Giovanni Bianchini: Hatch Ltd. / Hatch Ltee
Sabrina Geremia: Google Canada Corporation
Michèle Boudria: McDonald's Canada Corporation
Éric Martel: Bombardier Inc.
Nicola Wright: Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals
Robert Hanea: Therme Group
M. Lynn Cassidy: Ontario Charitable Gaming Association
Brad Corson: Imperial Oil Limited
Jean-Marc Leclerc: Honda Canada Inc.
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