"I won't miss Doug Ford:" Taylor dishes on her federal leap
"I won't miss Doug Ford:" Taylor dishes on her federal leap
Plus: the Science Centre's next site, Byers says bye, I'd Rather Be Baking Cookies, Ford and Singh clash, drama in DVW, survey says, at committee, Morrison's next move, regulatory digest and more
THE LEDE
Q+A — Monique Taylor is ready to make a federal leap.
The veteran, who has represented Hamilton Mountain at the provincial level for over a decade, has “completed her application” to seek the federal nomination. She’s the second to make a jump: Joel Harden was greenlit to seek the nod in Ottawa Centre over the summer.
With the Tories riding high in public opinion and the governing pact killed, the race is shaping up to be a blue-and-orange match. While support for Singh’s team in the riding dipped in the last election, Taylor is viewed as a formidable challenger, with four straight victories to her name.
“[It] was never going to be an easy race for anyone,” the incumbent Liberal told local media.
We caught up with Taylor to chat about why she’s making the move, provincial parallels, federal priorities, the governing deal, caucus drama, Marit Stiles’ leadership and what she will miss — or won’t — about Queen’s Park.
Here are the highlights of our conversation:
Why are you making this jump?
“I’m watching the landscape in Hamilton. I see that the Hamilton Mountain seat is held by a Liberal, which is vulnerable, and I will not allow a Conservative to come and take that seat. It’s probably one of the things, for sure. I’m also watching the landscape across the country — and how our community is impacted by homelessness and the lack of housing. On wraparound support services, I’m looking at the crisis that we see with mental health and addictions, and how we're not getting anywhere in probably many of the provinces around the country. Those things are terribly important to me, and I want to be at the front and center of this fight, to make sure that Hamilton Mountain is a shining example of how we can have a safe, affordable, inclusive community.”
You speak about the Liberal “vulnerability.” Many liken the federal Liberals’ current state with that of Kathleen Wynne’s last year in power. Do you see an opportunity to capitalize, similar to how the provincial party did?
“Absolutely. We know that they are vulnerable, that they are not popular anywhere in the country. And so, it is an opportunity for New Democrats to take up that space and to give people a real choice of positivity, of hope — knowing that people are out there on their side, working towards a better community. It’s a choice that people can count on. When we look at the Conservatives, we’ve seen the billions of dollars in cuts, the move towards privatization in our health care system, the lack of services and support. Just in Ontario, we have over 73,000 kids on a waitlist for autism services. That is so wrong. And that’s increased. What is it? 50? 50,000 kids. This is what we see typical of Conservative governments — and that’s not what we need in today’s day and age. We’re seeing people in despair. We’re seeing them with a lot of anxiety, with concerns about what the future will hold. It’s only being heightened by the Conservative leadership, who chooses to divide and prey on people’s vulnerability. That’s not what we need. People need to know that there is hope, that we can find our way out of the messes that we’re in. That only comes by actually, truly caring about the people that we serve.”
What will your priorities be at the federal level?
“Let’s start with people, right? We’re people, and people have to be our number one priority. When our families are in crisis, when our families aren’t able to put food on the table — look at the numbers that have come out from Feed Ontario, a 125 percent increase since before the pandemic at food banks. People are in precarious situations. They have good jobs, and yet they’re not able to see that security. It’s a rounded effect. It’s the cost of living and the lack of services available to them when they need it. Mental health care? Our kids in schools? I have a hard time pinning it down to one thing because we need to get back to taking care of our kids. Our kids are our most valuable resource. And yet we’re leaving them without all the necessary tools that they have to be able to grow into healthy adults. So, it’s a hard question, and I know I’ve answered it in a very broad spectrum, but the number one thing to make sure that we’re looking at is people, and what is it that our people in our community need? And I think that’s what governments have lost sight of — people are not numbers.”
You’ve been a big critic of the government on social services, in general. You’ve held the portfolio for quite some time, and I’m curious how you can take that — or your experience from it — to Parliament Hill. Any lessons you’ve learned?
“Yeah, for sure. Well, you know, I think we need minimum standards that are in place across this part of the country that every province is responsible for, to make sure that kids do get the services, so that we can’t allow governments like the Ford government to come in and hack everything that’s in place, and not provide services to the majority of kids that need it. So bare minimums of services need to be in place across the province — you know, adequate income levels for people need to be in place. We looked at a Basic Income program. You know, that’s something that should be across the country, so that people have the level of dignity that they need. And then, I can’t forget to talk about pharmacare and dental care, right? I mean, these are main pieces of our healthcare system. When our healthcare system was developed, it was always meant to envelop those eventually. And here we are, decades later, and we’re just starting to get there, and we’re only getting there because of the work of New Democrats. New Democrats, quite frankly, take it on the chin on a daily basis for working with Trudeau, but Jagmeet Singh is truly the only adult in the room to get things done. We now have the basis of pharmacare. We now have the dental program. But when Pierre Poilievre comes in, he’s going to cut all of that. He’s already said he’s not interested, right? We’re watching Conservatives across this country privatize our healthcare system. These are fundamentals for Canadians that we have to fight hard to protect, and we’re up for the job to do it, and I’m certainly in the game.”
You say Jagmeet Singh took it on the chin. So, you think the deal hurt the NDP, I suppose?
“Absolutely, I do. We cannot hide from that. we can’t pretend that it’s not true. We can’t pretend that it’s not true. I hear it in my own community, so I’m constantly having to protect Jagmeet, but protect the work that Jagmeet has done, more than the individual, right? And that’s the important piece. We are actually moving forward. We are giving people hope. We have tens, like hundreds of thousands of seniors and kids who are now getting dental care that they never got before. They were struggling. I remember people coming to my office not being able to get their dental needs addressed — extreme stuff was happening because they couldn't afford it. Those same people are now calling me, crying, saying, ‘Finally, I can get to the dentist. I’m able to chew.’ And those are major things. I think now that the agreement is done, we can highlight the work we’ve done and show Canadians that we’re in it for them, and we’re willing to do the hard work to stand up for people. That’s what I think is most important.”
When you made the decision, some suggested that it had to do with Marit Stiles’ leadership. You’re the second caucus member to make the jump — likely not the last. How much did the provincial landscape — and how you think the NDP will fare in the next election — weigh on this decision?
“Absolutely not. When you said that, my jaw dropped — like, what? That’s so not true. So not true at all. I love and respect Marit. I think she’s a great human. Her heart’s in it. She does it for the right reasons. She’s respectable, she’s smart, she’s articulate. You know, look at the work that she did with the Greenbelt. There’s nothing that I am shying away from when it comes to Marit. I was asked to run in the last election, and I considered it, but I didn’t do it because I felt I wasn’t ready. But, you know, since that time, I’ve realized that I am ready and that I do have the fight in me. So, it’s a personal growth, a personal step forward. I’m sad to leave Marit and the team. I’ve been there for thirteen years. It’s like family for me, so it’s not an easy jump. I could probably stay provincial for years to come, and my community would continue to elect me. But I’m willing to take that chance, and I still believe they’ll give me the opportunity. But it’s a choice for me to really take those fights onto the larger stage. So, when somebody calls or sends you a message and tells you that, tell them I said they're lying. They are, honest to God, Ahmad, my jaw dropped — like, what? How dare they, because that is so not true.”
On another topic, Sarah Jama accused you of being “one of the reasons” she was removed from caucus, questioning your position on the war in Gaza. Any response?
“I have no idea why she thinks that. I was no more upset than the rest of my caucus for her behaviors. But she can’t push her doings onto other people. Sarah made the decisions that she made at that time. I didn’t make those decisions for her. If you look at the clippings of the last day she spoke in the legislature, I was sitting behind her. She had sent an email to our caucus saying she was going to come out with a statement and asked us to sit behind her, and I did. I was right there, sitting behind her. Unfortunately, she didn’t read the statement she had told everyone she was going to read, and that led to her being excused from caucus, right? So, I think it’s unfortunate that she feels that way. I’ve seen her at many community events since then. I’m usually the one to move the chair to make it accessible for her. I support her in her community and the work that she does. So, it’s unfortunate that she feels that way, but it wasn't me who created that problem. She did that for herself.”
There had been rumors that some in the caucus had threatened to quit over Jama’s statement. You weren’t one of them?
“No, that’s not true. That’s not true. I’m in this to support my community. What Sarah does is up to Sarah. That would never force me to think that my community wasn’t more important than Sarah’s decisions. Absolutely not. It’s truly absurd if that’s what people are saying.”
Your feisty, passionate approach in Question Period. Will you carry it with you to the House of Commons?
“Absolutely. And I think that's why I feel so ready, right? My passion, my drive — it’s at an all time high. I feel stronger than I’ve ever felt, and that’s why I’m completely ready to take this fight to Parliament Hill. I want to make sure that Canadians know they have people on their side, people who are willing to stand up and take the heat for them.”
Do you feel, though, the federal level is too polarized?
“Well, I guess that’s a lot that I’ll figure out when I get there, to see how that structure is different. I haven’t spent much time there obviously, but that’s okay, I’m looking for a new adventure, a new way to hopefully get things done. Right now, I’m honestly just focused on securing my nomination and winning Hamilton Mountain — that’s my first goal. When it comes to polarization, of course, I think it’s unfortunate. Truly. I don’t like the style of Pierre Poilievre. I would rather see us put our passion into real people’s stories, instead of dividing our country like he has chosen to do.”
What’s one thing you’ll miss around here? One thing you won’t miss?
“I will, I will miss my colleagues a lot. I have to say, I’ve built so many relationships with amazing people. I will truly miss all of them. But I’m excited about my next journey. I think that’s what happens when we turn the page and start a new chapter, right? We just have to keep going. And I know that I’ll still be looking to those people because I’m still an Ontarian, and I’ll be making sure that Ontario has a big focus in the House of Commons.
And you know what? I won’t miss Doug Ford.”
This Q+A was edited for length and clarity.
AT THE PALACE
— The House is adjourned for the summer.
— At committee, more ministerial spending is set to be parsed over next week.
Monday: Social Policy will meet at 1 p.m. to review the Ministry of Education’s expenditure. Interior will meet at 2 p.m. to consider spending in the Ministry of Energy. No word yet on who’s up for both grillings.
Tuesday: An 11 a.m. meeting for Finance and Economic Affairs on “committee business.” The committee will resume at 3 p.m. for a hearing on the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade’s expenditure.
Wednesday: Justice Policy will meet at 2 p.m. to study the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery’s spending.
— A slow week on the fundraiser circuit is ahead.
PC: Paul Calandra will headline a fundraiser at 7 p.m. in support of the Scarborough Guildwood riding association.
Liberal: Senator Jerry Grafstein will headline a reception with Pam Jeffery — the founder of the Women’s Executive Network who is seeking the Liberal nod in University Rosedale — at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. It’s expensive.
— Nomination tracker: Rob Rainer — the reeve for Tay Valley Township — is set to be acclaimed as the Liberal candidate in Lanark—Frontenac—Kingston on Saturday.
Teresa Armstrong will be nominated in London Fanshawe at the Unitarian Fellowship of London on Sunday.
Sarah Jama, meanwhile, will be on the ballot as an independent in Hamilton Centre. She was nominated at the Worker’s Art and Heritage Centre last night.
— Rick Byers will not be running again. In a brief statement, the PC MPP called it a “great honour” to represent Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound and work with Premier Ford. “I will continue to work hard on the priorities of our local communities right up until the next election,” Byers added.
Speaking to local media, he cited personal reasons, such as his age and his wife’s health.
“I just had my birthday and so kind of did the math and said ‘if I run again I will be in my 70s,’ which by the way is very young. I found this is a very heavy and challenging job, the hours are long and there is a lot of stress on issues,” he said.
With Premier Ford considering an early election, pressure is mounting on incumbent Tories to decide whether they will stick around or step aside. Expect more to bite the dust sooner rather than later, allowing a replacement to gain ground locally before the campaign is kicked into high gear. As reported, a December deadline to make a decision has been imposed, with those eyeing another term set to be nominated en masse.
— Lisa MacLeod is bringing back her recipe book — “I’d Rather Be Baking Cookies.” The book featured dishes from a mix of federal and provincial Tories: Stephen Harper and his wife Laureen, Peter Van Loan, John Baird, Jason Kenney, Peter MacKay, Tim Hudak and more.
MacLeod says she’s creating a sequel and is looking for fresh recipes. The initial book will be available on Amazon in two weeks.
The background: MacLeod said she could not pass up the chance to poke fun at former Liberal strategist Warren Kinsella, who once shared a manipulated photo of MacLeod, alongside John Tory and Scott Reid, listening to Randy Hillier speak, implying she’d rather be baking cookies at home than on the campaign trail. The joke didn’t go over too well.
— MacLeod out and about at former PC MPP Goldie Ghamari’s annual community BBQ. “Lots of amazing people with you [Goldie] who between the two of us together, got us elected six times.”
— A portrait of King Charles III and Queen Camilla is now on display at Queen’s Park, hanging outside the chamber.
IN THE NEWS
— Premier Doug Ford is calling Jagmeet Singh a "greedy politician" who will not bring down the Trudeau government until he qualifies for his pension. “Mr. Singh is just blowing smoke,” Ford said of the decision to kill the federal governing pact at a Monday presser in Prince Edward County.
“There’s nothing more important to these greedy politicians than collecting a pension and he was elected (in) ... 2019 and I’ll be floored and I’ll stand up here and apologize to all the greedy politicians if he calls the election early,” Ford said. “He wants his pension. He’s not going anywhere until October 20, 2025, because there’s him and a whole bunch of other politicians that want to grab the taxpayers’ money.”
Singh countered. “That’s pretty rich coming from Premier Ford who has built his entire career on the coat tails of his family’s last name and is now under criminal investigation for corruption.”
— The Mississauga Convention Center is under consideration as a temporary home for the Ontario Science Center, according to a letter from Dexterra Group, the group that provided the exhibit’s janitorial services, to the Ontario Public Service Employees Union.
Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish says it’s news to her. “Have not heard a thing about it,” she wrote. “Would be quite interested, of course. Sounds a bit far fetched. I'm thinking the province would want to keep it in the 416 area because of accessibility and transit. But we would be interested.”
Meanwhile, Dexterra says the decision to kill their janitorial agreement will result in the layoff of over a dozen workers by late October.
— With the race to replace late councillor Jaye Robinson in DVW heating up, former Premier Kathleen Wynne “has spoken with three candidates” with Liberal ties “about the importance of rallying around a single challenger” to avoid an Anthony Fury win.
“I’m focused on talking to people in Don Valley West about practical solutions to the issues they face every day," Fury responded in a brief email. "While I’m glad to see there are so many civic-minded people putting their names forward, it’s disappointing that big party operatives are trying to discourage some people from seeking public office.”
“I welcome having a number of candidates from across the political spectrum being involved in this election,” trustee Rachel Chernos Lin said. “I have the experience and deep connections in our community and look forward to working with all political stripes.”
— The chair of Peel Region’s transition board has quit “to pursue other opportunities,” with member Tracey Cook appointed to replace John Livey.
It’s unclear what’s behind his decision to resign. A request for comment by local media was not answered.
Livey — a former deputy city manager in Toronto, chief administrative officer in Markham and planning commissioner in York — is also a registered lobbyist. He’s recently lobbied for Rice Group, one of the development companies with Greenbelt land last year. At the time, Michael Rice, the CEO, sought to block or delay a summons by the Auditor General for an interview about the land.
The transition board’s report has already been sent to the minister, recommending that the region’s waste collection and road maintenance, like planning, be downloaded to the municipalities, per sources. Calandra will make the last call on these proposed changes.
— In Bay of Quinte, two all candidate’ debate this week: one hosted by the Belleville Chamber of Commerce, the other hosted by YourTV. PC Tyler Allsopp cancelled his appearance at the eleventh hour due to a scheduling conflict.
NDP candidate Amanda Robertson, meanwhile, scored an endorsement by the local Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation. “Amanda has experience with the school board so she understands locally the education issues that we have,” the union president told local media.
— The province has enlisted a Ford friend to become a special adviser on the “New Deal” with Toronto.
POLL WATCH
— With less than a week until voting day, a fresh Liaison poll shows dead heat between Liberal Sean Kelly and PC Tyler Allsopp in Bay of Quinte.
Among decided and leaning voters, Kelly has a one-point lead over Allsopp, with 36 to 35 percent. The NDP’s Amanda Robertson is trailing in third at 18 percent, with Green Lori Borthwick in fourth at 5 percent.
“Unlike other vacancies, Bay of Quinte was called suddenly with little to no time for parties, aside from the Progressive Conservatives, given time to prepare,” said Liaison’s David Valentin. “The race is now unexpectedly competitive as the Liberals benefit from running a well known city councillor and local radio personality.”
Here’s the caveat: Valentin says “either party could be successful and it will come down to ground organization and motivating voters in a low turnout environment.”
The methodology: The poll was conducted on Sunday and Monday via interactive voice response technology. The poll surveyed 541 voters with “a margin of error of +/- 4.21, 19 times out of 20.”
On the ground, depending on who you ask, the poll is either good news or just background noise.
“It’s a bastard to poll because it’s basically three ridings — and no one’s polling CFB Trenton,” said a wary Progressive Conservative source.
“Sean is the best candidate one can get,” a Liberal source added. “Bonnie [Crombie] really lucked out. She needs Sean more than he needs her. He shrinks the gap between the Progressive Conservatives, who have stronger organizational infrastructure.”
“It really boils down to who can pull the vote on election day,” an NDP source texted.
IN THE REGISTRY
We’re experimenting this new monthly segment on the government’s key proposals in the regulatory registry. Here’s the inaugural digest.
— Changes to the scope of practice for RNs and nurse practitioners: The government is seeking feedback on an expansion to the scope of practice for RNs and NPs “to improve timely health care delivery” — including: allowing practitioners to “order and apply electricity to treat heart conditions,” to “order electricity” for cardiac pacemaker therapy, to complete and sign forms required for testing another person’s blood for infectious diseases.
It'll also allow RNs to “certify death under specific conditions,” such as having an established relationship with the patient and a terminal diagnosis.
— Allowing pharmacists to prescribe more drugs: This regulatory proposal would expand the scope of pharmacists to allow them to prescribe drugs for over a dozen new minor ailments. It’s on par with what Health Minister Sylvia Jones announced in July. According to the proposed changes, pharmacists would be allowed to order laboratory tests and perform POCTs, while communicating diagnoses for certain conditions. The province is also requesting input on barriers preventing hospital pharmacists from ordering lab tests and POCTs. Pharmacy technicians would be authorized to administer more "Schedule 3" vaccines, with a "publicly funded adult vaccine bundle" being considered for community pharmacies.
The province is also seeking feedback on “opportunities to improve the MedsCheck program to support optimal medication and chronic disease management.” The line of questioning:
What should a MedsCheck accomplish to ensure full value to patients and primary care providers? Does the program currently meet this goal?
What challenges currently exist with the MedsCheck program?
What changes would you propose to improve the MedsCheck program? Which aspects should not be changed, if applicable?
How would you measure the success of any proposed changes to the program?
— Amending producer responsibility regulations: This proposal would amend four regulations: Tires (O. Reg. 225/18), Batteries (O. Reg. 30/20), Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) (O. Reg. 522/20), and Hazardous and Special Products (HSP) (O. Reg. 449/21).
The changes would increase flexibility for producers in meeting collection requirements, simplify compliance by reducing reporting obligations and extend the deadline for meeting management targets of increasing ITT/AV equipment to 70 percent and primary and rechargeable batteries to 50 percent. The amendment is aiming to streamline processes “while ensuring that the environment and consumers are protected.”
ON THE MOVE
— Erin Morrison — who ran communications for former NDP leader Andrea Horwath — is Jagmeet Singh’s new deputy chief of staff, “with primary responsibility for communications.”
Described by Singh as a “skilled communicator and strategist,” the federal leader called Morrison an addition to a “strong senior team” that will help “deliver the message” that his party is “ready to bring down the cost of living and deliver hope.”
Jonathan Gauvin will become chief, taking over from Jennifer Howard, who is the party's national campaign director.
Apolitical praise has followed Singh's hire. “Whip smart, strategically savvy.” “So quick witted and thoughtful.” “Hiring [Morrison] is the second good decision Jagmeet Singh has made in a week.”
WHAT WE'RE READING
— Internal government data showed that nearly 2,000 patients on average were kept in “unconventional spaces” like hallways and break rooms in January — the highest number ever recorded.
— John Michael McGrath says that until the housing crisis is solved, “as far as voters are concerned, good economic news might as well not exist.”
— Martin Regg Cohn’s advice to the naysayers: stop making the “beer boondoggle” a big deal.
— Jean Blacklock and Andrew Auerbach argue that the decision to “open up access to alcohol is frankly out of step.”
— Ontario’s public broadcaster says it won’t air a controversial documentary it produced on Russian soldiers — one, Ukraine’s counsel general said, would “whitewash” Russia’s invasion.
— The threshold for diagnosing deficient iron is being reduced. The move, doctors say, will be a game changer.
— The provincial ombudsman is investigating the practice of child welfare agencies placing children in unlicensed settings, such as hotels, motels and trailers.
— Allison Jones found that while the wait time has increased, enrolment in autism services has declined.
— A bat bite has led to the province’s first human case of rabies since the 1960s.
— A plan to legislate “rapid intensification around major transit stops” suddenly vanished.
— Burlington’s mayor says it’s time to scale up and roll out complete, urgent solutions to the homelessness crisis.
— Reform is coming to the body regulating tenancy disputes.
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Which victory party in Bay of Quinte should we attend? Are you planning to be at the Liberal AGM — sorry, “convention” — next week? Hit me up with a juicy leak or tip, item of gossip, story idea or anything else I should hear. I’ll keep you anon. We’re back in your inbox next week.
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