Dear neighbour,
We are witnessing the terrifying rise of fascism in the United States, where President Trump defies Congressional votes, ignores court rulings, and directs law enforcement against citizens.
Ontario is not the United States. That said, under the current Conservative government, we are also witnessing the dismantling of our democratic institutions and practices.
Omnibus bills are being rammed through the legislature at breakneck speed, with almost no debate. Public participation in Queen’s Park committee hearings for specific bills is being banned.
These hearings are where citizens, experts and stakeholders provide feedback and help to shape legislation. It’s also the site where opposition parties introduce amendments. Silencing them is not just undemocratic, it’s unwise. When we don’t properly deliberate, we pass worse laws.
Elected school board trustees are being stripped of their authority. In their place, handpicked supervisors with no accountability are appointed. Special economic zones are being created that are exempt from democratically decided local rules, including environmental protections and laws to keep workers safe in dangerous work sites, like mines.
Municipalities have been forced to adopt “strong mayor” powers, allowing a single mayor to override a majority of city councillors. Fixed election dates - designed to ensure fairness and predictability - have been scrapped, giving the governing party the sole advantage of choosing when Ontarians go to the polls.
Let’s not forget, the government has used the hammer of the Not Withstanding Clause to override democratically negotiated collective agreements and imposed wage suppression on public sector workers.
This growing list reveals a troubling pattern: a disregard for the democratic principles that are fundamental to Ontario, and to Canada.
Power is being concentrated in the hands of the Premier. Public input is being shut down. Transparency is being replaced by secrecy. Accountability is being eroded.
This isn’t how democracy is supposed to work.
Ontarians deserve a government that respects institutions, values public input, and upholds democratic norms. As the Conservative government continues to undermine this, we must speak out. Because democracy is easier to undermine, than it is to rebuild.
Jessica Bell
MPP, University-Rosedale