Old Friends, Fair Trades

From rekindled friendships south of the border, to new funding for Ottawa and support for our troops, here’s all the buzz at the Legislature this week.?? ?

"Buy Can-Am"?

Premier Doug Ford congratulated Donald Trump’s successful election as the 47th U.S. President, sharing his excitement about the opportunity to expand trade and economic cooperation between Ontario and the United States.???

Why it Matters

Trump’s second term campaign promises as president included a minimum 10 per cent global tariff on all imported products to the U.S., not offering Canada an exception to the rule. With Ontario being the U.S.’ third-largest trading partner, Ontario’s steel and auto industries could be hit particularly hard by Trump’s proposed tariffs.??

Yes but:?

• Ontario has leverage?- an incredible wealth of critical minerals in its northern regions and large global manufacturers with complex cross-border supply chains making steel, electric vehicles, and batteries that the U.S. economy and its national defence sector desperately need. ?
• Ford is asking the soon-to-be President of the U.S to embrace a “Buy Can-Am" approach, by “betting big” on cross-border trade and cooperation and “double down on the U.S. - Ontario partnership.”?Expect the Premier to start rubbing shoulders with more U.S. governors and Republic heavyweights in Washington DC. ?

The crossfire

• The opposition has been tearing into the Premier for his closeness to the Trump administration in order to score votes, as many Canadians seem to think the President-elect is “bad for Canada.”
• The Grits focused on the Premier’s judgement of character by attacking Ford’s track record of “unwavering” support for Trump.???
• NDP leader Marit Stiles cautioned Ontario’s automotive union workers and the public, saying the province “should be very concerned” about the incoming U.S. administration’s potential to disrupt Canada’s EV sector.?

Overdue Lobbying Review?? ?

Attorney General Doug Downey has signalled?the province is continuing to review its lobbying laws, which have been delayed for years despite being mandated for review in 2016. Integrity Commissioner David Wake’s office said that the changes being considered by the Attorney General “align with the comments [Wake] has made about potential amendments to the Act.”??

Integrity Commissioner David Wake’s previous recommendations have suggested:

• Lowering the threshold for registering to eight hours of lobbying activity instead of the 50-hour minimum it sits at now.?
• Making the rules around unpaid volunteers who lobby stricter; and ?
• Hiking up penalties for lobbyists who cross the line.?

AG Downey also said the province is looking at other parts of the country, including the federal registry, to help inform potential amendments to the Act. ? ?

The push comes in the wake of the ongoing Greenbelt fallout, including an active investigation into non-compliance with lobbying laws.?? ?

Package Deal

As a part of the “New Deal” the province is committing an additional $48 million over three years to the City of Ottawa to help address downtown safety concerns, provide more mental health and addictions supports, and help asylum seekers.???

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe praised the additional funding, calling it “a significant step forward for the safety and well-being of our community.”?? ?

The crossfire?

• Despite the funding windfall, there was no new money for transit, with the mayor noting there is “a $140 million hole in our transit budget for the foreseeable future.” ?
• Many Ottawa councillors are still fuming about the province’s proposed legislation to axe bike lane expansion. ?

ICYMI

• New nursing program: The province announced the first new nursing program in 20 years at Carleton University, which is expected to graduate 200 new nurses each year.?
• Honouring veterans and active military service members: The government announced free GO Transit service for all veterans and current full-time members of the Canadian Armed Forces beginning March 1, free access to Ontario Parks, and new legislation to crack down on acts of stolen valour.?
• The province announced over $5 million for skills training projects with Coding for Veterans, Lighthouse Labs, and Helmets to Hardhats.

Have any questions about the news out of Queen’s Park this week? Reach out to our political experts?at [email protected].?