Provincial Government lacks plan and vision for future, says MPP Arnott

Supports Fire Chief’s call for Premier to intervene for Double Hatter Firefighters

Sharply criticizing the Liberal Government at Queen’s Park, Waterloo-Wellington MPP Ted Arnott spoke in the Ontario Legislature on October 19th during the debate on the Speech from the Throne.

The Speech from the Throne, read by Lieutenant-Governor James Bartleman on October 12th, started the Second Session of the 38th Ontario Parliament. Normally, a Throne Speech provides an outline of the future course of action for the Provincial Government for the coming session.

“I don’t think the most partisan of government MPPs would have the audacity to suggest that last week’s throne speech constituted a plan for the future,” said Mr. Arnott.

“Rehash? Yes. Progress report of accomplishments to date? Yes. Self-congratulatory political treatise? Perhaps. But visionary plan for the future? Definitely not. It was thin gruel for an electorate hungry for answers to the challenges facing Ontario today and thirsting for a leadership rooted in integrity,” he told the House.

Mr. Arnott again raised the issue of Double Hatter Firefighters, who are professional fire fighters that also volunteer in rural communities during their off hours. He highlighted new examples of Double-Hatters being forced by their union to quit their volunteer positions, or possibly lose their full-time jobs.

“It has been brought to my attention that this union is once again turning up the heat on these dedicated volunteers who simply want to apply their skills and training to make their neighbours safer,” Mr. Arnott said in the Legislature.

Mr. Arnott then informed the House about the fire department in Kemptville, which is facing the loss of some of its key volunteers because of union threats. He supported Kemptville Fire Chief Tim Bond’s request that the Premier stand up to protect Double Hatters and their contribution to public safety.

Speaking for what average Ontario families could expect from the Government in the coming Session, Mr. Arnott outlined the challenges that lie ahead.

“When we look at higher provincial taxes, higher electricity bills, higher gasoline prices, higher natural gas prices, higher interest rates, higher property taxes, lost jobs and little said about future prospects, I absolutely agree that at the half-time point of this government, the clouds that I alluded to earlier, have indeed rolled in and we’re experiencing rainy days for the average Ontarian,” he said.

“Ours is the mission to see Ontarians through this storm, with hope that we will continue to hold this government to account and offer Ontarians a better day on the horizon, what we in Waterloo–Wellington call the ‘promise of the future’,” said Mr. Arnott as he concluded his speech.