Criticism Over Ontario’s New Appointments for Regional Leaders

This week, Ontario’s municipal affairs minister faced off against opposition MPPs from Niagara regarding the province’s initiative to appoint chairs for regional governments in eight areas of Ontario and grant them so-called “strong chair” powers.

These powers would resemble those already given to certain mayors in the province.

Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack had to defend the government’s approach of selecting top municipal officials directly, as two Niagara New Democrat MPPs argued it undermines democratic principles.

The discussion took place during a one-day hearing at Queen’s Park on Tuesday concerning the provincial government’s Better Regional Governance Act.

Flack insisted that the plan doesn’t silence local voices, despite what critics say.

“The legislation does not replace local voices; in fact, it supports them,” he stated.

If passed, this law would empower the province to directly select regional chairs in Niagara, Durham, Halton, Muskoka, Peel, Waterloo and York along with appointing the warden of Simcoe County.

The province would also provide these regional chairs with “strong chair” powers akin to strong mayor powers.

Niagara’s regional government would shrink to 13 seats

During an April 2 press briefing, Flack revealed plans for a significant restructuring of regional governance in both Niagara and Simcoe County. This includes cutting Niagara’s council from 32 seats down to just 13 members-one being a regional chair-and reducing Simcoe’s council from 32 seats to only 17 members made up of 16 mayors and a regional chair.

Niagara Falls riding New Democrat MPP Wayne Gates also spoke at the committee at Queen’s Park on Tuesday. (Province of Ontario)

The opposition MPPs from Niagara questioned Flack about how these appointed chairs would be selected.

Niagara Centre New Democrat MPP Jeff Burch pointed out former Niagara Region chair Bob Gale as an example-a provincially-appointed chair who sparked controversy earlier this year over suggestions for restructuring municipal government before resigning suddenly in March after anti-racism groups demanded he apologize for possessing a signed copy of Adolf Hitler’s notorious book, Mein Kampf.

“He threw the region into chaos in only two months,” Burch remarked. “Calling it a shitshow is polite.”

Burch then asked about the qualifications needed for these appointments.

“Do they just have to be a former Conservative candidate? Like, what are the criteria?”

Flack responded: “We’re working on the criteria. Stay tuned. There will be a vetting process.”

“These chairs will be proven leaders, selected based on merit, experience and integrity, vetted by the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario,” he continued. “This ensures those appointed are credible, qualified and capable.”

Niagara Falls riding New Democrat MPP Wayne Gates pressed Flack about previous government claims that these changes were intended to save money for property taxpayers.

“How does appointing a regional chair with strong mayor powers lower property taxes in Niagara?”

Flack replied saying “I don’t think it particularly does.”

However, he mentioned that it would help make regions more agile and tackle vital tasks such as expediting housing approvals amidst Ontario’s housing crisis.

The opposition also criticized implementing these changes so close to fall municipal elections when nominations for elected roles are about to begin.

Flack stated that legislation wouldn’t pass before nominations start on Friday but reassured that it would be ready by fall elections. WATCH | Ontario plan to appoint regional chairs sparks NDP criticism:Ontario to appoint 8 regional chairs, opposition calls it a ‘path to corruption’Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs Rob Flack plans to appoint eight regional chairs and grant them “strong chair” powers similar to strong mayor powers seen in some cities. NDP leader Marit Styles describes this move as a “path to corruption” lacking any democratic accountability.

This change is seen as next ‘logical step’

Durring an April 2 news conference, Niagara West Conservative MPP Sam Oosterhoff expressed he’s heard loud concerns from residents and business owners about how outdated Niagara’s current local government system is since it’s been around since 1970!.

“I’ve been hearing frustrated constituents and local business owners who talk about facing what they call merry-go-round red tape while trying hard through multiple levels of municipalities/agencies getting projects approved or homes built,” he explained.

At Tuesday’s meeting Flack remarked how strong mayor powers helped city councils focus on crucial projects faster while keeping decisions flowing smoothly.

“Extending these powers onto regions makes perfect sense,” he said.

Burch countered by stating these new changes give unelected appointees too much power over budgets/operations at their councils.

“We see this bill as an outright assault on local democracy.”
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