Doug Ford is entirely focused on Toronto. How does the rest of Ontario feel about it?
While I have no affiliation with any political party I have written the letter below to all our MPP's and will be writing to the federal representatives (for all the good it may do) If anyone feels inclined to write, do it asap.
Dear Member of Provincial Parliament,
Today Premier Ford declared he would invoke the Notwithstanding Clause with regards to Bill 5, because a judge has ruled it
breached both candidates and voters rights with regards to the upcoming municipal election and declared that the election is to proceed as originally planned with 47 wards. Using the Notwithstanding clause is a very important step and should not be taken lightly or in haste in any circumstances. While in fact it has been used at the Federal level and in other provinces it has never been used in Ontario.
I am writing to all Members of Provincial Parliament to ask them their views, not their party's views, and stance on the following:
1. Do you believe in the Canadian Constitution, including the right for people to have freedom of expression?
2. Do you believe in the place of our judicial system to impartially determine when laws, rights and freedoms have been impinged/breached/broken? If not, why not?
3. Did you read the Judge's decision with regards to Bill 5 in full? Why or Why Not?
3a. What do you believe to be the most important statements in the decision?
4. Do you believe that the changes to Toronto City Council are required immediately? If yes Why? If no, why not?
5. Do you believe that the changes to Toronto City Council are of such an immediate need that the Notwithstanding clause must be invoked? If yes, why? If yes, why now?
6. If you are a member from outside of Toronto, are you not concerned that the the Government of the day is spending, time, money and focus on the City of Toronto, when there are many other issues that need to be addressed?
I would appreciate a timely response to my email prior to Parliament reconvening on Wednesday.
Regards