SCOOP — Canada Proud has taken on Mississauga.
In July and August, a series of ads cropped up on Facebook and Instagram: “Mississauga crime is out of control,” they warned, alongside the phone numbers of Mayor Carolyn Parrish and eight councillors, pressing people to pick up the phone and push for action.
Those featured weren’t chosen by accident. All nine opposed a historic budget hike for Peel Police last December — a furore that divided Mississauga and Brampton, and ultimately led to Parrish’s decision to quit from the police board. (At the time, Parrish said she “[had] to defend a budget I cannot defend”).
Driving the campaign is Canada Proud, described as “a grassroots group of Canadians working to defeat” Mark Carney’s Liberals. It’s led by ex-Conservative aide Jeff Ballingall, who has made his mark with viral, click-bait style posts, amplifying Conservative narratives and targeting Liberal politicians.
Through Ontario Proud, his first Facebook account, he went after ex-Premier Kathleen Wynne and later, Justin Trudeau.
In the last federal election, Canada Proud pummeled Carney with ads that questioned his character and fitness to govern. That included nearly $15,000 in ads that insinuated the Liberal leader’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Ballingall nor Canada Proud could be reached for comment.
Mississauga is Canada Proud’s latest target. According to Meta’s public disclosure, the group has spent around $86,000 on a suite of nine ads alone. Since December, the account has hammered away at posts about rising thievery and home invasions in Mississauga — and councillors’ supposed reluctance to beef up policing.
Councillor Brad Butt, singled out in one of the ads, dismissed the suggestion that he wants to “defund” local police as “disingenuous.”
In December, he was among several councillors who opposed a 23.3 per cent increase to the budget, worried it would place too heavy a load on taxpayers. At a later regional budget meeting in January, he seconded a motion, forwarded by Parrish, trimming the proposed police budget increase by 14 per cent. Later, he put forward an amended motion for an 18 per cent increase, which was defeated 9-15.
All but three councillors voted to support the lower funding increase — Alvin Tedjo, Sue McFadden and Martin Reid. Canada Proud has lauded the three councillors as “rebels” who broke with Council’s consensus by “standing up” for the police funding. All three declined to comment.
For Dipika Damerla, the core issue of protecting residents from crime is more than rhetoric. “My role isn’t simply providing services to our residents, but services in a fiscally responsible manner,” the councillor said in an interview.
To that end, Damerla says she opposed the proposed police budget increase because of her issues with opaque numbers, unclear hiring timelines, and the added tax burden on residents she believes are already struggling.
Damerla says Canada Proud’s portrayal of her as anti-police is “unfair.” She noted that she has long advocated for criminal justice reform — including changes to the bail system — to tackle issues that more police alone won’t solve.
“Police can catch criminals — but if they’re being released on bail right after, it’s not going to help,” she said.
In a statement to The Report, Parrish said Mississauga “proudly supports our police,” but argued “the current funding formula is out of date and unfair” to the city, noting Brampton’s comparatively smaller policing costs after this year’s budget hikes.
The pivot: Since August, Canada Proud hasn’t run ads directly targeting Mississauga, turning instead to cranking up the heat on Liberal policies and highlighting cases of violent crime across the country.
As one councillor put it: “You’ve got to have thick skin, and be willing to take shots — whether they’re legitimate or not,” Butt said.
— Monday at 2:00 p.m.: The Town of Caledon's Governance Review Committee will meet. The Council will hear Municipal Clerk Kevin Klingenberg present a report with recommendations to update the town's Public Notice by-law. Read up.
— Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.: Caledon's Town Council will meet to discuss a report recommending a revised date for waste collection services.
At 2:30 p.m., the Town will have a General Committee meeting. Here's what's on the agenda:
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: Mississauga's General Committee will meet. Here's what's on the agenda:
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: Brampton's City Council is meeting. Here's what's on the agenda:
— Thursday at 9:30 a.m.: Peel Regional Council will meet. Ahead:
— As Carolyn Parrish recovers from her recent knee surgery, her cat Spice also awaits treatment — a special blood test analysis performed in the United States, held up at the border.
“A victim of the Trump war on drugs and Canada, not necessarily in that order,” she wrote on X.
— Patrick Brown was on the move this weekend. He tossed the coin at the annual Ontario Fiji Association’s soccer tournament, alongside Ruby Sahota. He attended the Brampton Girls Softball Association with Councillor Rowena Santos; the Brampton Muslim Residents Association Picnic with Santos and Councillor Michael Palleschi; the World of Jazz Festival at Gage Park on Saturday; the Annual Jamaica Day Festival on Saturday; and the unveiling of the Bhavani Shankar Mandir's new Shiva statue.
— About an ex-worship: Bonnie Crombie — who is up for a leadership review this weekend — will welcome her first grandchild in February, we’re told. Read more.
— Paul Calandra says he’s “100 per cent looking at the elimination of the trustee position” from school boards, with a plan expected by the end of the year. Listen.
If trustees disappear, this is what the education system could look like.
— New data from Statistics Canada revealed national unemployment numbers are close to pandemic-level highs, with 66,000 jobs lost in August.
— Study permits and visa applications dropped in the first half of the year, with the government's cap on international student enrollments.
— Ontario will increase the minimum wage to $17.60 an hour starting October 1.
— Ontario’s public service union says Ford’s move to mandate a five-day office return in January “blindsided” them.
— The Ministry of Environment is backtracking on plans to overhaul recycling policies, as Peel Region residents have an exemption period to allow more waste disposal from today to until next Friday.
— Caledon will seek to pass mandatory licensing and other new regulations for long- and short-term rentals.
— The Pointer has more on an investigation launched against Shelley Ann Bentley, Haldimand County’s mayor, by her ex-CAO for abusing her strong mayor powers.
— An ex-Peel student trustee spoke to The Star on beginning her studies as part of Toronto Metropolitan University’s new medical school.
Got a sighting, a move or a promotion worth noting? Is your birthday coming up? Reach out.
— Dipika Damerla and Fares Al Soud hosted an ice cream social on Saturday.
— Brad Butt out with Chris Fonseca and Stephen Dasko at the Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle.
— Michael Palleschi and Navjit Kaur Brar hosted a grill-and-greet at Creditview Sandalwood Park. Mayor Brown made an appearance.
— RIP: Garry Sault of the Mississauga’s of the Credit First Nations has died. City Hall flags will be lowered to half-mast on Friday, according to Mayor Parrish, “in recognition of his lengthy service, dedication and commitment.”
Thank you for reading The Peel Report. Are you Canada Proud? Maybe you’re Sue McFadden, Alvin Tedjo or Martin Reid? I want to hear from you and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Friday.
Today’s newsletter was edited by Ahmad Elbayoumi. Have feedback? Send us an email.
SCOOP — Canada Proud has taken on Mississauga.
In July and August, a series of ads cropped up on Facebook and Instagram: “Mississauga crime is out of control,” they warned, alongside the phone numbers of Mayor Carolyn Parrish and eight councillors, pressing people to pick up the phone and push for action.
Those featured weren’t chosen by accident. All nine opposed a historic budget hike for Peel Police last December — a furore that divided Mississauga and Brampton, and ultimately led to Parrish’s decision to quit from the police board. (At the time, Parrish said she “[had] to defend a budget I cannot defend”).
Driving the campaign is Canada Proud, described as “a grassroots group of Canadians working to defeat” Mark Carney’s Liberals. It’s led by ex-Conservative aide Jeff Ballingall, who has made his mark with viral, click-bait style posts, amplifying Conservative narratives and targeting Liberal politicians.
Through Ontario Proud, his first Facebook account, he went after ex-Premier Kathleen Wynne and later, Justin Trudeau.
In the last federal election, Canada Proud pummeled Carney with ads that questioned his character and fitness to govern. That included nearly $15,000 in ads that insinuated the Liberal leader’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Ballingall nor Canada Proud could be reached for comment.
Mississauga is Canada Proud’s latest target. According to Meta’s public disclosure, the group has spent around $86,000 on a suite of nine ads alone. Since December, the account has hammered away at posts about rising thievery and home invasions in Mississauga — and councillors’ supposed reluctance to beef up policing.
Councillor Brad Butt, singled out in one of the ads, dismissed the suggestion that he wants to “defund” local police as “disingenuous.”
In December, he was among several councillors who opposed a 23.3 per cent increase to the budget, worried it would place too heavy a load on taxpayers. At a later regional budget meeting in January, he seconded a motion, forwarded by Parrish, trimming the proposed police budget increase by 14 per cent. Later, he put forward an amended motion for an 18 per cent increase, which was defeated 9-15.
All but three councillors voted to support the lower funding increase — Alvin Tedjo, Sue McFadden and Martin Reid. Canada Proud has lauded the three councillors as “rebels” who broke with Council’s consensus by “standing up” for the police funding. All three declined to comment.
For Dipika Damerla, the core issue of protecting residents from crime is more than rhetoric. “My role isn’t simply providing services to our residents, but services in a fiscally responsible manner,” the councillor said in an interview.
To that end, Damerla says she opposed the proposed police budget increase because of her issues with opaque numbers, unclear hiring timelines, and the added tax burden on residents she believes are already struggling.
Damerla says Canada Proud’s portrayal of her as anti-police is “unfair.” She noted that she has long advocated for criminal justice reform — including changes to the bail system — to tackle issues that more police alone won’t solve.
“Police can catch criminals — but if they’re being released on bail right after, it’s not going to help,” she said.
In a statement to The Report, Parrish said Mississauga “proudly supports our police,” but argued “the current funding formula is out of date and unfair” to the city, noting Brampton’s comparatively smaller policing costs after this year’s budget hikes.
The pivot: Since August, Canada Proud hasn’t run ads directly targeting Mississauga, turning instead to cranking up the heat on Liberal policies and highlighting cases of violent crime across the country.
As one councillor put it: “You’ve got to have thick skin, and be willing to take shots — whether they’re legitimate or not,” Butt said.
— Monday at 2:00 p.m.: The Town of Caledon's Governance Review Committee will meet. The Council will hear Municipal Clerk Kevin Klingenberg present a report with recommendations to update the town's Public Notice by-law. Read up.
— Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.: Caledon's Town Council will meet to discuss a report recommending a revised date for waste collection services.
At 2:30 p.m., the Town will have a General Committee meeting. Here's what's on the agenda:
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: Mississauga's General Committee will meet. Here's what's on the agenda:
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: Brampton's City Council is meeting. Here's what's on the agenda:
— Thursday at 9:30 a.m.: Peel Regional Council will meet. Ahead:
— As Carolyn Parrish recovers from her recent knee surgery, her cat Spice also awaits treatment — a special blood test analysis performed in the United States, held up at the border.
“A victim of the Trump war on drugs and Canada, not necessarily in that order,” she wrote on X.
— Patrick Brown was on the move this weekend. He tossed the coin at the annual Ontario Fiji Association’s soccer tournament, alongside Ruby Sahota. He attended the Brampton Girls Softball Association with Councillor Rowena Santos; the Brampton Muslim Residents Association Picnic with Santos and Councillor Michael Palleschi; the World of Jazz Festival at Gage Park on Saturday; the Annual Jamaica Day Festival on Saturday; and the unveiling of the Bhavani Shankar Mandir's new Shiva statue.
— About an ex-worship: Bonnie Crombie — who is up for a leadership review this weekend — will welcome her first grandchild in February, we’re told. Read more.
— Paul Calandra says he’s “100 per cent looking at the elimination of the trustee position” from school boards, with a plan expected by the end of the year. Listen.
If trustees disappear, this is what the education system could look like.
— New data from Statistics Canada revealed national unemployment numbers are close to pandemic-level highs, with 66,000 jobs lost in August.
— Study permits and visa applications dropped in the first half of the year, with the government's cap on international student enrollments.
— Ontario will increase the minimum wage to $17.60 an hour starting October 1.
— Ontario’s public service union says Ford’s move to mandate a five-day office return in January “blindsided” them.
— The Ministry of Environment is backtracking on plans to overhaul recycling policies, as Peel Region residents have an exemption period to allow more waste disposal from today to until next Friday.
— Caledon will seek to pass mandatory licensing and other new regulations for long- and short-term rentals.
— The Pointer has more on an investigation launched against Shelley Ann Bentley, Haldimand County’s mayor, by her ex-CAO for abusing her strong mayor powers.
— An ex-Peel student trustee spoke to The Star on beginning her studies as part of Toronto Metropolitan University’s new medical school.
Got a sighting, a move or a promotion worth noting? Is your birthday coming up? Reach out.
— Dipika Damerla and Fares Al Soud hosted an ice cream social on Saturday.
— Brad Butt out with Chris Fonseca and Stephen Dasko at the Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle.
— Michael Palleschi and Navjit Kaur Brar hosted a grill-and-greet at Creditview Sandalwood Park. Mayor Brown made an appearance.
— RIP: Garry Sault of the Mississauga’s of the Credit First Nations has died. City Hall flags will be lowered to half-mast on Friday, according to Mayor Parrish, “in recognition of his lengthy service, dedication and commitment.”
Thank you for reading The Peel Report. Are you Canada Proud? Maybe you’re Sue McFadden, Alvin Tedjo or Martin Reid? I want to hear from you and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Friday.
Today’s newsletter was edited by Ahmad Elbayoumi. Have feedback? Send us an email.
SCOOP — Canada Proud has taken on Mississauga.
In July and August, a series of ads cropped up on Facebook and Instagram: “Mississauga crime is out of control,” they warned, alongside the phone numbers of Mayor Carolyn Parrish and eight councillors, pressing people to pick up the phone and push for action.
Those featured weren’t chosen by accident. All nine opposed a historic budget hike for Peel Police last December — a furore that divided Mississauga and Brampton, and ultimately led to Parrish’s decision to quit from the police board. (At the time, Parrish said she “[had] to defend a budget I cannot defend”).
Driving the campaign is Canada Proud, described as “a grassroots group of Canadians working to defeat” Mark Carney’s Liberals. It’s led by ex-Conservative aide Jeff Ballingall, who has made his mark with viral, click-bait style posts, amplifying Conservative narratives and targeting Liberal politicians.
Through Ontario Proud, his first Facebook account, he went after ex-Premier Kathleen Wynne and later, Justin Trudeau.
In the last federal election, Canada Proud pummeled Carney with ads that questioned his character and fitness to govern. That included nearly $15,000 in ads that insinuated the Liberal leader’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Ballingall nor Canada Proud could be reached for comment.
Mississauga is Canada Proud’s latest target. According to Meta’s public disclosure, the group has spent around $86,000 on a suite of nine ads alone. Since December, the account has hammered away at posts about rising thievery and home invasions in Mississauga — and councillors’ supposed reluctance to beef up policing.
Councillor Brad Butt, singled out in one of the ads, dismissed the suggestion that he wants to “defund” local police as “disingenuous.”
In December, he was among several councillors who opposed a 23.3 per cent increase to the budget, worried it would place too heavy a load on taxpayers. At a later regional budget meeting in January, he seconded a motion, forwarded by Parrish, trimming the proposed police budget increase by 14 per cent. Later, he put forward an amended motion for an 18 per cent increase, which was defeated 9-15.
All but three councillors voted to support the lower funding increase — Alvin Tedjo, Sue McFadden and Martin Reid. Canada Proud has lauded the three councillors as “rebels” who broke with Council’s consensus by “standing up” for the police funding. All three declined to comment.
For Dipika Damerla, the core issue of protecting residents from crime is more than rhetoric. “My role isn’t simply providing services to our residents, but services in a fiscally responsible manner,” the councillor said in an interview.
To that end, Damerla says she opposed the proposed police budget increase because of her issues with opaque numbers, unclear hiring timelines, and the added tax burden on residents she believes are already struggling.
Damerla says Canada Proud’s portrayal of her as anti-police is “unfair.” She noted that she has long advocated for criminal justice reform — including changes to the bail system — to tackle issues that more police alone won’t solve.
“Police can catch criminals — but if they’re being released on bail right after, it’s not going to help,” she said.
In a statement to The Report, Parrish said Mississauga “proudly supports our police,” but argued “the current funding formula is out of date and unfair” to the city, noting Brampton’s comparatively smaller policing costs after this year’s budget hikes.
The pivot: Since August, Canada Proud hasn’t run ads directly targeting Mississauga, turning instead to cranking up the heat on Liberal policies and highlighting cases of violent crime across the country.
As one councillor put it: “You’ve got to have thick skin, and be willing to take shots — whether they’re legitimate or not,” Butt said.
— Monday at 2:00 p.m.: The Town of Caledon's Governance Review Committee will meet. The Council will hear Municipal Clerk Kevin Klingenberg present a report with recommendations to update the town's Public Notice by-law. Read up.
— Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.: Caledon's Town Council will meet to discuss a report recommending a revised date for waste collection services.
At 2:30 p.m., the Town will have a General Committee meeting. Here's what's on the agenda:
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: Mississauga's General Committee will meet. Here's what's on the agenda:
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: Brampton's City Council is meeting. Here's what's on the agenda:
— Thursday at 9:30 a.m.: Peel Regional Council will meet. Ahead:
— As Carolyn Parrish recovers from her recent knee surgery, her cat Spice also awaits treatment — a special blood test analysis performed in the United States, held up at the border.
“A victim of the Trump war on drugs and Canada, not necessarily in that order,” she wrote on X.
— Patrick Brown was on the move this weekend. He tossed the coin at the annual Ontario Fiji Association’s soccer tournament, alongside Ruby Sahota. He attended the Brampton Girls Softball Association with Councillor Rowena Santos; the Brampton Muslim Residents Association Picnic with Santos and Councillor Michael Palleschi; the World of Jazz Festival at Gage Park on Saturday; the Annual Jamaica Day Festival on Saturday; and the unveiling of the Bhavani Shankar Mandir's new Shiva statue.
— About an ex-worship: Bonnie Crombie — who is up for a leadership review this weekend — will welcome her first grandchild in February, we’re told. Read more.
— Paul Calandra says he’s “100 per cent looking at the elimination of the trustee position” from school boards, with a plan expected by the end of the year. Listen.
If trustees disappear, this is what the education system could look like.
— New data from Statistics Canada revealed national unemployment numbers are close to pandemic-level highs, with 66,000 jobs lost in August.
— Study permits and visa applications dropped in the first half of the year, with the government's cap on international student enrollments.
— Ontario will increase the minimum wage to $17.60 an hour starting October 1.
— Ontario’s public service union says Ford’s move to mandate a five-day office return in January “blindsided” them.
— The Ministry of Environment is backtracking on plans to overhaul recycling policies, as Peel Region residents have an exemption period to allow more waste disposal from today to until next Friday.
— Caledon will seek to pass mandatory licensing and other new regulations for long- and short-term rentals.
— The Pointer has more on an investigation launched against Shelley Ann Bentley, Haldimand County’s mayor, by her ex-CAO for abusing her strong mayor powers.
— An ex-Peel student trustee spoke to The Star on beginning her studies as part of Toronto Metropolitan University’s new medical school.
Got a sighting, a move or a promotion worth noting? Is your birthday coming up? Reach out.
— Dipika Damerla and Fares Al Soud hosted an ice cream social on Saturday.
— Brad Butt out with Chris Fonseca and Stephen Dasko at the Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle.
— Michael Palleschi and Navjit Kaur Brar hosted a grill-and-greet at Creditview Sandalwood Park. Mayor Brown made an appearance.
— RIP: Garry Sault of the Mississauga’s of the Credit First Nations has died. City Hall flags will be lowered to half-mast on Friday, according to Mayor Parrish, “in recognition of his lengthy service, dedication and commitment.”
Thank you for reading The Peel Report. Are you Canada Proud? Maybe you’re Sue McFadden, Alvin Tedjo or Martin Reid? I want to hear from you and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Friday.
Today’s newsletter was edited by Ahmad Elbayoumi. Have feedback? Send us an email.
SCOOP — Canada Proud has taken on Mississauga.
In July and August, a series of ads cropped up on Facebook and Instagram: “Mississauga crime is out of control,” they warned, alongside the phone numbers of Mayor Carolyn Parrish and eight councillors, pressing people to pick up the phone and push for action.
Those featured weren’t chosen by accident. All nine opposed a historic budget hike for Peel Police last December — a furore that divided Mississauga and Brampton, and ultimately led to Parrish’s decision to quit from the police board. (At the time, Parrish said she “[had] to defend a budget I cannot defend”).
Driving the campaign is Canada Proud, described as “a grassroots group of Canadians working to defeat” Mark Carney’s Liberals. It’s led by ex-Conservative aide Jeff Ballingall, who has made his mark with viral, click-bait style posts, amplifying Conservative narratives and targeting Liberal politicians.
Through Ontario Proud, his first Facebook account, he went after ex-Premier Kathleen Wynne and later, Justin Trudeau.
In the last federal election, Canada Proud pummeled Carney with ads that questioned his character and fitness to govern. That included nearly $15,000 in ads that insinuated the Liberal leader’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Ballingall nor Canada Proud could be reached for comment.
Mississauga is Canada Proud’s latest target. According to Meta’s public disclosure, the group has spent around $86,000 on a suite of nine ads alone. Since December, the account has hammered away at posts about rising thievery and home invasions in Mississauga — and councillors’ supposed reluctance to beef up policing.
Councillor Brad Butt, singled out in one of the ads, dismissed the suggestion that he wants to “defund” local police as “disingenuous.”
In December, he was among several councillors who opposed a 23.3 per cent increase to the budget, worried it would place too heavy a load on taxpayers. At a later regional budget meeting in January, he seconded a motion, forwarded by Parrish, trimming the proposed police budget increase by 14 per cent. Later, he put forward an amended motion for an 18 per cent increase, which was defeated 9-15.
All but three councillors voted to support the lower funding increase — Alvin Tedjo, Sue McFadden and Martin Reid. Canada Proud has lauded the three councillors as “rebels” who broke with Council’s consensus by “standing up” for the police funding. All three declined to comment.
For Dipika Damerla, the core issue of protecting residents from crime is more than rhetoric. “My role isn’t simply providing services to our residents, but services in a fiscally responsible manner,” the councillor said in an interview.
To that end, Damerla says she opposed the proposed police budget increase because of her issues with opaque numbers, unclear hiring timelines, and the added tax burden on residents she believes are already struggling.
Damerla says Canada Proud’s portrayal of her as anti-police is “unfair.” She noted that she has long advocated for criminal justice reform — including changes to the bail system — to tackle issues that more police alone won’t solve.
“Police can catch criminals — but if they’re being released on bail right after, it’s not going to help,” she said.
In a statement to The Report, Parrish said Mississauga “proudly supports our police,” but argued “the current funding formula is out of date and unfair” to the city, noting Brampton’s comparatively smaller policing costs after this year’s budget hikes.
The pivot: Since August, Canada Proud hasn’t run ads directly targeting Mississauga, turning instead to cranking up the heat on Liberal policies and highlighting cases of violent crime across the country.
As one councillor put it: “You’ve got to have thick skin, and be willing to take shots — whether they’re legitimate or not,” Butt said.
— Monday at 2:00 p.m.: The Town of Caledon's Governance Review Committee will meet. The Council will hear Municipal Clerk Kevin Klingenberg present a report with recommendations to update the town's Public Notice by-law. Read up.
— Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.: Caledon's Town Council will meet to discuss a report recommending a revised date for waste collection services.
At 2:30 p.m., the Town will have a General Committee meeting. Here's what's on the agenda:
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: Mississauga's General Committee will meet. Here's what's on the agenda:
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: Brampton's City Council is meeting. Here's what's on the agenda:
— Thursday at 9:30 a.m.: Peel Regional Council will meet. Ahead:
— As Carolyn Parrish recovers from her recent knee surgery, her cat Spice also awaits treatment — a special blood test analysis performed in the United States, held up at the border.
“A victim of the Trump war on drugs and Canada, not necessarily in that order,” she wrote on X.
— Patrick Brown was on the move this weekend. He tossed the coin at the annual Ontario Fiji Association’s soccer tournament, alongside Ruby Sahota. He attended the Brampton Girls Softball Association with Councillor Rowena Santos; the Brampton Muslim Residents Association Picnic with Santos and Councillor Michael Palleschi; the World of Jazz Festival at Gage Park on Saturday; the Annual Jamaica Day Festival on Saturday; and the unveiling of the Bhavani Shankar Mandir's new Shiva statue.
— About an ex-worship: Bonnie Crombie — who is up for a leadership review this weekend — will welcome her first grandchild in February, we’re told. Read more.
— Paul Calandra says he’s “100 per cent looking at the elimination of the trustee position” from school boards, with a plan expected by the end of the year. Listen.
If trustees disappear, this is what the education system could look like.
— New data from Statistics Canada revealed national unemployment numbers are close to pandemic-level highs, with 66,000 jobs lost in August.
— Study permits and visa applications dropped in the first half of the year, with the government's cap on international student enrollments.
— Ontario will increase the minimum wage to $17.60 an hour starting October 1.
— Ontario’s public service union says Ford’s move to mandate a five-day office return in January “blindsided” them.
— The Ministry of Environment is backtracking on plans to overhaul recycling policies, as Peel Region residents have an exemption period to allow more waste disposal from today to until next Friday.
— Caledon will seek to pass mandatory licensing and other new regulations for long- and short-term rentals.
— The Pointer has more on an investigation launched against Shelley Ann Bentley, Haldimand County’s mayor, by her ex-CAO for abusing her strong mayor powers.
— An ex-Peel student trustee spoke to The Star on beginning her studies as part of Toronto Metropolitan University’s new medical school.
Got a sighting, a move or a promotion worth noting? Is your birthday coming up? Reach out.
— Dipika Damerla and Fares Al Soud hosted an ice cream social on Saturday.
— Brad Butt out with Chris Fonseca and Stephen Dasko at the Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle.
— Michael Palleschi and Navjit Kaur Brar hosted a grill-and-greet at Creditview Sandalwood Park. Mayor Brown made an appearance.
— RIP: Garry Sault of the Mississauga’s of the Credit First Nations has died. City Hall flags will be lowered to half-mast on Friday, according to Mayor Parrish, “in recognition of his lengthy service, dedication and commitment.”
Thank you for reading The Peel Report. Are you Canada Proud? Maybe you’re Sue McFadden, Alvin Tedjo or Martin Reid? I want to hear from you and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Friday.
Today’s newsletter was edited by Ahmad Elbayoumi. Have feedback? Send us an email.
SCOOP — Canada Proud has taken on Mississauga.
In July and August, a series of ads cropped up on Facebook and Instagram: “Mississauga crime is out of control,” they warned, alongside the phone numbers of Mayor Carolyn Parrish and eight councillors, pressing people to pick up the phone and push for action.
Those featured weren’t chosen by accident. All nine opposed a historic budget hike for Peel Police last December — a furore that divided Mississauga and Brampton, and ultimately led to Parrish’s decision to quit from the police board. (At the time, Parrish said she “[had] to defend a budget I cannot defend”).
Driving the campaign is Canada Proud, described as “a grassroots group of Canadians working to defeat” Mark Carney’s Liberals. It’s led by ex-Conservative aide Jeff Ballingall, who has made his mark with viral, click-bait style posts, amplifying Conservative narratives and targeting Liberal politicians.
Through Ontario Proud, his first Facebook account, he went after ex-Premier Kathleen Wynne and later, Justin Trudeau.
In the last federal election, Canada Proud pummeled Carney with ads that questioned his character and fitness to govern. That included nearly $15,000 in ads that insinuated the Liberal leader’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Ballingall nor Canada Proud could be reached for comment.
Mississauga is Canada Proud’s latest target. According to Meta’s public disclosure, the group has spent around $86,000 on a suite of nine ads alone. Since December, the account has hammered away at posts about rising thievery and home invasions in Mississauga — and councillors’ supposed reluctance to beef up policing.
Councillor Brad Butt, singled out in one of the ads, dismissed the suggestion that he wants to “defund” local police as “disingenuous.”
In December, he was among several councillors who opposed a 23.3 per cent increase to the budget, worried it would place too heavy a load on taxpayers. At a later regional budget meeting in January, he seconded a motion, forwarded by Parrish, trimming the proposed police budget increase by 14 per cent. Later, he put forward an amended motion for an 18 per cent increase, which was defeated 9-15.
All but three councillors voted to support the lower funding increase — Alvin Tedjo, Sue McFadden and Martin Reid. Canada Proud has lauded the three councillors as “rebels” who broke with Council’s consensus by “standing up” for the police funding. All three declined to comment.
For Dipika Damerla, the core issue of protecting residents from crime is more than rhetoric. “My role isn’t simply providing services to our residents, but services in a fiscally responsible manner,” the councillor said in an interview.
To that end, Damerla says she opposed the proposed police budget increase because of her issues with opaque numbers, unclear hiring timelines, and the added tax burden on residents she believes are already struggling.
Damerla says Canada Proud’s portrayal of her as anti-police is “unfair.” She noted that she has long advocated for criminal justice reform — including changes to the bail system — to tackle issues that more police alone won’t solve.
“Police can catch criminals — but if they’re being released on bail right after, it’s not going to help,” she said.
In a statement to The Report, Parrish said Mississauga “proudly supports our police,” but argued “the current funding formula is out of date and unfair” to the city, noting Brampton’s comparatively smaller policing costs after this year’s budget hikes.
The pivot: Since August, Canada Proud hasn’t run ads directly targeting Mississauga, turning instead to cranking up the heat on Liberal policies and highlighting cases of violent crime across the country.
As one councillor put it: “You’ve got to have thick skin, and be willing to take shots — whether they’re legitimate or not,” Butt said.
— Monday at 2:00 p.m.: The Town of Caledon's Governance Review Committee will meet. The Council will hear Municipal Clerk Kevin Klingenberg present a report with recommendations to update the town's Public Notice by-law. Read up.
— Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.: Caledon's Town Council will meet to discuss a report recommending a revised date for waste collection services.
At 2:30 p.m., the Town will have a General Committee meeting. Here's what's on the agenda:
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: Mississauga's General Committee will meet. Here's what's on the agenda:
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: Brampton's City Council is meeting. Here's what's on the agenda:
— Thursday at 9:30 a.m.: Peel Regional Council will meet. Ahead:
— As Carolyn Parrish recovers from her recent knee surgery, her cat Spice also awaits treatment — a special blood test analysis performed in the United States, held up at the border.
“A victim of the Trump war on drugs and Canada, not necessarily in that order,” she wrote on X.
— Patrick Brown was on the move this weekend. He tossed the coin at the annual Ontario Fiji Association’s soccer tournament, alongside Ruby Sahota. He attended the Brampton Girls Softball Association with Councillor Rowena Santos; the Brampton Muslim Residents Association Picnic with Santos and Councillor Michael Palleschi; the World of Jazz Festival at Gage Park on Saturday; the Annual Jamaica Day Festival on Saturday; and the unveiling of the Bhavani Shankar Mandir's new Shiva statue.
— About an ex-worship: Bonnie Crombie — who is up for a leadership review this weekend — will welcome her first grandchild in February, we’re told. Read more.
— Paul Calandra says he’s “100 per cent looking at the elimination of the trustee position” from school boards, with a plan expected by the end of the year. Listen.
If trustees disappear, this is what the education system could look like.
— New data from Statistics Canada revealed national unemployment numbers are close to pandemic-level highs, with 66,000 jobs lost in August.
— Study permits and visa applications dropped in the first half of the year, with the government's cap on international student enrollments.
— Ontario will increase the minimum wage to $17.60 an hour starting October 1.
— Ontario’s public service union says Ford’s move to mandate a five-day office return in January “blindsided” them.
— The Ministry of Environment is backtracking on plans to overhaul recycling policies, as Peel Region residents have an exemption period to allow more waste disposal from today to until next Friday.
— Caledon will seek to pass mandatory licensing and other new regulations for long- and short-term rentals.
— The Pointer has more on an investigation launched against Shelley Ann Bentley, Haldimand County’s mayor, by her ex-CAO for abusing her strong mayor powers.
— An ex-Peel student trustee spoke to The Star on beginning her studies as part of Toronto Metropolitan University’s new medical school.
Got a sighting, a move or a promotion worth noting? Is your birthday coming up? Reach out.
— Dipika Damerla and Fares Al Soud hosted an ice cream social on Saturday.
— Brad Butt out with Chris Fonseca and Stephen Dasko at the Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle.
— Michael Palleschi and Navjit Kaur Brar hosted a grill-and-greet at Creditview Sandalwood Park. Mayor Brown made an appearance.
— RIP: Garry Sault of the Mississauga’s of the Credit First Nations has died. City Hall flags will be lowered to half-mast on Friday, according to Mayor Parrish, “in recognition of his lengthy service, dedication and commitment.”
Thank you for reading The Peel Report. Are you Canada Proud? Maybe you’re Sue McFadden, Alvin Tedjo or Martin Reid? I want to hear from you and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Friday.
Today’s newsletter was edited by Ahmad Elbayoumi. Have feedback? Send us an email.
SCOOP — Canada Proud has taken on Mississauga.
In July and August, a series of ads cropped up on Facebook and Instagram: “Mississauga crime is out of control,” they warned, alongside the phone numbers of Mayor Carolyn Parrish and eight councillors, pressing people to pick up the phone and push for action.
Those featured weren’t chosen by accident. All nine opposed a historic budget hike for Peel Police last December — a furore that divided Mississauga and Brampton, and ultimately led to Parrish’s decision to quit from the police board. (At the time, Parrish said she “[had] to defend a budget I cannot defend”).
Driving the campaign is Canada Proud, described as “a grassroots group of Canadians working to defeat” Mark Carney’s Liberals. It’s led by ex-Conservative aide Jeff Ballingall, who has made his mark with viral, click-bait style posts, amplifying Conservative narratives and targeting Liberal politicians.
Through Ontario Proud, his first Facebook account, he went after ex-Premier Kathleen Wynne and later, Justin Trudeau.
In the last federal election, Canada Proud pummeled Carney with ads that questioned his character and fitness to govern. That included nearly $15,000 in ads that insinuated the Liberal leader’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Ballingall nor Canada Proud could be reached for comment.
Mississauga is Canada Proud’s latest target. According to Meta’s public disclosure, the group has spent around $86,000 on a suite of nine ads alone. Since December, the account has hammered away at posts about rising thievery and home invasions in Mississauga — and councillors’ supposed reluctance to beef up policing.
Councillor Brad Butt, singled out in one of the ads, dismissed the suggestion that he wants to “defund” local police as “disingenuous.”
In December, he was among several councillors who opposed a 23.3 per cent increase to the budget, worried it would place too heavy a load on taxpayers. At a later regional budget meeting in January, he seconded a motion, forwarded by Parrish, trimming the proposed police budget increase by 14 per cent. Later, he put forward an amended motion for an 18 per cent increase, which was defeated 9-15.
All but three councillors voted to support the lower funding increase — Alvin Tedjo, Sue McFadden and Martin Reid. Canada Proud has lauded the three councillors as “rebels” who broke with Council’s consensus by “standing up” for the police funding. All three declined to comment.
For Dipika Damerla, the core issue of protecting residents from crime is more than rhetoric. “My role isn’t simply providing services to our residents, but services in a fiscally responsible manner,” the councillor said in an interview.
To that end, Damerla says she opposed the proposed police budget increase because of her issues with opaque numbers, unclear hiring timelines, and the added tax burden on residents she believes are already struggling.
Damerla says Canada Proud’s portrayal of her as anti-police is “unfair.” She noted that she has long advocated for criminal justice reform — including changes to the bail system — to tackle issues that more police alone won’t solve.
“Police can catch criminals — but if they’re being released on bail right after, it’s not going to help,” she said.
In a statement to The Report, Parrish said Mississauga “proudly supports our police,” but argued “the current funding formula is out of date and unfair” to the city, noting Brampton’s comparatively smaller policing costs after this year’s budget hikes.
The pivot: Since August, Canada Proud hasn’t run ads directly targeting Mississauga, turning instead to cranking up the heat on Liberal policies and highlighting cases of violent crime across the country.
As one councillor put it: “You’ve got to have thick skin, and be willing to take shots — whether they’re legitimate or not,” Butt said.
— Monday at 2:00 p.m.: The Town of Caledon's Governance Review Committee will meet. The Council will hear Municipal Clerk Kevin Klingenberg present a report with recommendations to update the town's Public Notice by-law. Read up.
— Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.: Caledon's Town Council will meet to discuss a report recommending a revised date for waste collection services.
At 2:30 p.m., the Town will have a General Committee meeting. Here's what's on the agenda:
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: Mississauga's General Committee will meet. Here's what's on the agenda:
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: Brampton's City Council is meeting. Here's what's on the agenda:
— Thursday at 9:30 a.m.: Peel Regional Council will meet. Ahead:
— As Carolyn Parrish recovers from her recent knee surgery, her cat Spice also awaits treatment — a special blood test analysis performed in the United States, held up at the border.
“A victim of the Trump war on drugs and Canada, not necessarily in that order,” she wrote on X.
— Patrick Brown was on the move this weekend. He tossed the coin at the annual Ontario Fiji Association’s soccer tournament, alongside Ruby Sahota. He attended the Brampton Girls Softball Association with Councillor Rowena Santos; the Brampton Muslim Residents Association Picnic with Santos and Councillor Michael Palleschi; the World of Jazz Festival at Gage Park on Saturday; the Annual Jamaica Day Festival on Saturday; and the unveiling of the Bhavani Shankar Mandir's new Shiva statue.
— About an ex-worship: Bonnie Crombie — who is up for a leadership review this weekend — will welcome her first grandchild in February, we’re told. Read more.
— Paul Calandra says he’s “100 per cent looking at the elimination of the trustee position” from school boards, with a plan expected by the end of the year. Listen.
If trustees disappear, this is what the education system could look like.
— New data from Statistics Canada revealed national unemployment numbers are close to pandemic-level highs, with 66,000 jobs lost in August.
— Study permits and visa applications dropped in the first half of the year, with the government's cap on international student enrollments.
— Ontario will increase the minimum wage to $17.60 an hour starting October 1.
— Ontario’s public service union says Ford’s move to mandate a five-day office return in January “blindsided” them.
— The Ministry of Environment is backtracking on plans to overhaul recycling policies, as Peel Region residents have an exemption period to allow more waste disposal from today to until next Friday.
— Caledon will seek to pass mandatory licensing and other new regulations for long- and short-term rentals.
— The Pointer has more on an investigation launched against Shelley Ann Bentley, Haldimand County’s mayor, by her ex-CAO for abusing her strong mayor powers.
— An ex-Peel student trustee spoke to The Star on beginning her studies as part of Toronto Metropolitan University’s new medical school.
Got a sighting, a move or a promotion worth noting? Is your birthday coming up? Reach out.
— Dipika Damerla and Fares Al Soud hosted an ice cream social on Saturday.
— Brad Butt out with Chris Fonseca and Stephen Dasko at the Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle.
— Michael Palleschi and Navjit Kaur Brar hosted a grill-and-greet at Creditview Sandalwood Park. Mayor Brown made an appearance.
— RIP: Garry Sault of the Mississauga’s of the Credit First Nations has died. City Hall flags will be lowered to half-mast on Friday, according to Mayor Parrish, “in recognition of his lengthy service, dedication and commitment.”
Thank you for reading The Peel Report. Are you Canada Proud? Maybe you’re Sue McFadden, Alvin Tedjo or Martin Reid? I want to hear from you and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Friday.
Today’s newsletter was edited by Ahmad Elbayoumi. Have feedback? Send us an email.
SCOOP — Canada Proud has taken on Mississauga.
In July and August, a series of ads cropped up on Facebook and Instagram: “Mississauga crime is out of control,” they warned, alongside the phone numbers of Mayor Carolyn Parrish and eight councillors, pressing people to pick up the phone and push for action.
Those featured weren’t chosen by accident. All nine opposed a historic budget hike for Peel Police last December — a furore that divided Mississauga and Brampton, and ultimately led to Parrish’s decision to quit from the police board. (At the time, Parrish said she “[had] to defend a budget I cannot defend”).
Driving the campaign is Canada Proud, described as “a grassroots group of Canadians working to defeat” Mark Carney’s Liberals. It’s led by ex-Conservative aide Jeff Ballingall, who has made his mark with viral, click-bait style posts, amplifying Conservative narratives and targeting Liberal politicians.
Through Ontario Proud, his first Facebook account, he went after ex-Premier Kathleen Wynne and later, Justin Trudeau.
In the last federal election, Canada Proud pummeled Carney with ads that questioned his character and fitness to govern. That included nearly $15,000 in ads that insinuated the Liberal leader’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Ballingall nor Canada Proud could be reached for comment.
Mississauga is Canada Proud’s latest target. According to Meta’s public disclosure, the group has spent around $86,000 on a suite of nine ads alone. Since December, the account has hammered away at posts about rising thievery and home invasions in Mississauga — and councillors’ supposed reluctance to beef up policing.
Councillor Brad Butt, singled out in one of the ads, dismissed the suggestion that he wants to “defund” local police as “disingenuous.”
In December, he was among several councillors who opposed a 23.3 per cent increase to the budget, worried it would place too heavy a load on taxpayers. At a later regional budget meeting in January, he seconded a motion, forwarded by Parrish, trimming the proposed police budget increase by 14 per cent. Later, he put forward an amended motion for an 18 per cent increase, which was defeated 9-15.
All but three councillors voted to support the lower funding increase — Alvin Tedjo, Sue McFadden and Martin Reid. Canada Proud has lauded the three councillors as “rebels” who broke with Council’s consensus by “standing up” for the police funding. All three declined to comment.
For Dipika Damerla, the core issue of protecting residents from crime is more than rhetoric. “My role isn’t simply providing services to our residents, but services in a fiscally responsible manner,” the councillor said in an interview.
To that end, Damerla says she opposed the proposed police budget increase because of her issues with opaque numbers, unclear hiring timelines, and the added tax burden on residents she believes are already struggling.
Damerla says Canada Proud’s portrayal of her as anti-police is “unfair.” She noted that she has long advocated for criminal justice reform — including changes to the bail system — to tackle issues that more police alone won’t solve.
“Police can catch criminals — but if they’re being released on bail right after, it’s not going to help,” she said.
In a statement to The Report, Parrish said Mississauga “proudly supports our police,” but argued “the current funding formula is out of date and unfair” to the city, noting Brampton’s comparatively smaller policing costs after this year’s budget hikes.
The pivot: Since August, Canada Proud hasn’t run ads directly targeting Mississauga, turning instead to cranking up the heat on Liberal policies and highlighting cases of violent crime across the country.
As one councillor put it: “You’ve got to have thick skin, and be willing to take shots — whether they’re legitimate or not,” Butt said.
— Monday at 2:00 p.m.: The Town of Caledon's Governance Review Committee will meet. The Council will hear Municipal Clerk Kevin Klingenberg present a report with recommendations to update the town's Public Notice by-law. Read up.
— Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.: Caledon's Town Council will meet to discuss a report recommending a revised date for waste collection services.
At 2:30 p.m., the Town will have a General Committee meeting. Here's what's on the agenda:
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: Mississauga's General Committee will meet. Here's what's on the agenda:
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: Brampton's City Council is meeting. Here's what's on the agenda:
— Thursday at 9:30 a.m.: Peel Regional Council will meet. Ahead:
— As Carolyn Parrish recovers from her recent knee surgery, her cat Spice also awaits treatment — a special blood test analysis performed in the United States, held up at the border.
“A victim of the Trump war on drugs and Canada, not necessarily in that order,” she wrote on X.
— Patrick Brown was on the move this weekend. He tossed the coin at the annual Ontario Fiji Association’s soccer tournament, alongside Ruby Sahota. He attended the Brampton Girls Softball Association with Councillor Rowena Santos; the Brampton Muslim Residents Association Picnic with Santos and Councillor Michael Palleschi; the World of Jazz Festival at Gage Park on Saturday; the Annual Jamaica Day Festival on Saturday; and the unveiling of the Bhavani Shankar Mandir's new Shiva statue.
— About an ex-worship: Bonnie Crombie — who is up for a leadership review this weekend — will welcome her first grandchild in February, we’re told. Read more.
— Paul Calandra says he’s “100 per cent looking at the elimination of the trustee position” from school boards, with a plan expected by the end of the year. Listen.
If trustees disappear, this is what the education system could look like.
— New data from Statistics Canada revealed national unemployment numbers are close to pandemic-level highs, with 66,000 jobs lost in August.
— Study permits and visa applications dropped in the first half of the year, with the government's cap on international student enrollments.
— Ontario will increase the minimum wage to $17.60 an hour starting October 1.
— Ontario’s public service union says Ford’s move to mandate a five-day office return in January “blindsided” them.
— The Ministry of Environment is backtracking on plans to overhaul recycling policies, as Peel Region residents have an exemption period to allow more waste disposal from today to until next Friday.
— Caledon will seek to pass mandatory licensing and other new regulations for long- and short-term rentals.
— The Pointer has more on an investigation launched against Shelley Ann Bentley, Haldimand County’s mayor, by her ex-CAO for abusing her strong mayor powers.
— An ex-Peel student trustee spoke to The Star on beginning her studies as part of Toronto Metropolitan University’s new medical school.
Got a sighting, a move or a promotion worth noting? Is your birthday coming up? Reach out.
— Dipika Damerla and Fares Al Soud hosted an ice cream social on Saturday.
— Brad Butt out with Chris Fonseca and Stephen Dasko at the Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle.
— Michael Palleschi and Navjit Kaur Brar hosted a grill-and-greet at Creditview Sandalwood Park. Mayor Brown made an appearance.
— RIP: Garry Sault of the Mississauga’s of the Credit First Nations has died. City Hall flags will be lowered to half-mast on Friday, according to Mayor Parrish, “in recognition of his lengthy service, dedication and commitment.”
Thank you for reading The Peel Report. Are you Canada Proud? Maybe you’re Sue McFadden, Alvin Tedjo or Martin Reid? I want to hear from you and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Friday.
Today’s newsletter was edited by Ahmad Elbayoumi. Have feedback? Send us an email.
SCOOP — Canada Proud has taken on Mississauga.
In July and August, a series of ads cropped up on Facebook and Instagram: “Mississauga crime is out of control,” they warned, alongside the phone numbers of Mayor Carolyn Parrish and eight councillors, pressing people to pick up the phone and push for action.
Those featured weren’t chosen by accident. All nine opposed a historic budget hike for Peel Police last December — a furore that divided Mississauga and Brampton, and ultimately led to Parrish’s decision to quit from the police board. (At the time, Parrish said she “[had] to defend a budget I cannot defend”).
Driving the campaign is Canada Proud, described as “a grassroots group of Canadians working to defeat” Mark Carney’s Liberals. It’s led by ex-Conservative aide Jeff Ballingall, who has made his mark with viral, click-bait style posts, amplifying Conservative narratives and targeting Liberal politicians.
Through Ontario Proud, his first Facebook account, he went after ex-Premier Kathleen Wynne and later, Justin Trudeau.
In the last federal election, Canada Proud pummeled Carney with ads that questioned his character and fitness to govern. That included nearly $15,000 in ads that insinuated the Liberal leader’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Ballingall nor Canada Proud could be reached for comment.
Mississauga is Canada Proud’s latest target. According to Meta’s public disclosure, the group has spent around $86,000 on a suite of nine ads alone. Since December, the account has hammered away at posts about rising thievery and home invasions in Mississauga — and councillors’ supposed reluctance to beef up policing.
Councillor Brad Butt, singled out in one of the ads, dismissed the suggestion that he wants to “defund” local police as “disingenuous.”
In December, he was among several councillors who opposed a 23.3 per cent increase to the budget, worried it would place too heavy a load on taxpayers. At a later regional budget meeting in January, he seconded a motion, forwarded by Parrish, trimming the proposed police budget increase by 14 per cent. Later, he put forward an amended motion for an 18 per cent increase, which was defeated 9-15.
All but three councillors voted to support the lower funding increase — Alvin Tedjo, Sue McFadden and Martin Reid. Canada Proud has lauded the three councillors as “rebels” who broke with Council’s consensus by “standing up” for the police funding. All three declined to comment.
For Dipika Damerla, the core issue of protecting residents from crime is more than rhetoric. “My role isn’t simply providing services to our residents, but services in a fiscally responsible manner,” the councillor said in an interview.
To that end, Damerla says she opposed the proposed police budget increase because of her issues with opaque numbers, unclear hiring timelines, and the added tax burden on residents she believes are already struggling.
Damerla says Canada Proud’s portrayal of her as anti-police is “unfair.” She noted that she has long advocated for criminal justice reform — including changes to the bail system — to tackle issues that more police alone won’t solve.
“Police can catch criminals — but if they’re being released on bail right after, it’s not going to help,” she said.
In a statement to The Report, Parrish said Mississauga “proudly supports our police,” but argued “the current funding formula is out of date and unfair” to the city, noting Brampton’s comparatively smaller policing costs after this year’s budget hikes.
The pivot: Since August, Canada Proud hasn’t run ads directly targeting Mississauga, turning instead to cranking up the heat on Liberal policies and highlighting cases of violent crime across the country.
As one councillor put it: “You’ve got to have thick skin, and be willing to take shots — whether they’re legitimate or not,” Butt said.
— Monday at 2:00 p.m.: The Town of Caledon's Governance Review Committee will meet. The Council will hear Municipal Clerk Kevin Klingenberg present a report with recommendations to update the town's Public Notice by-law. Read up.
— Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.: Caledon's Town Council will meet to discuss a report recommending a revised date for waste collection services.
At 2:30 p.m., the Town will have a General Committee meeting. Here's what's on the agenda:
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: Mississauga's General Committee will meet. Here's what's on the agenda:
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: Brampton's City Council is meeting. Here's what's on the agenda:
— Thursday at 9:30 a.m.: Peel Regional Council will meet. Ahead:
— As Carolyn Parrish recovers from her recent knee surgery, her cat Spice also awaits treatment — a special blood test analysis performed in the United States, held up at the border.
“A victim of the Trump war on drugs and Canada, not necessarily in that order,” she wrote on X.
— Patrick Brown was on the move this weekend. He tossed the coin at the annual Ontario Fiji Association’s soccer tournament, alongside Ruby Sahota. He attended the Brampton Girls Softball Association with Councillor Rowena Santos; the Brampton Muslim Residents Association Picnic with Santos and Councillor Michael Palleschi; the World of Jazz Festival at Gage Park on Saturday; the Annual Jamaica Day Festival on Saturday; and the unveiling of the Bhavani Shankar Mandir's new Shiva statue.
— About an ex-worship: Bonnie Crombie — who is up for a leadership review this weekend — will welcome her first grandchild in February, we’re told. Read more.
— Paul Calandra says he’s “100 per cent looking at the elimination of the trustee position” from school boards, with a plan expected by the end of the year. Listen.
If trustees disappear, this is what the education system could look like.
— New data from Statistics Canada revealed national unemployment numbers are close to pandemic-level highs, with 66,000 jobs lost in August.
— Study permits and visa applications dropped in the first half of the year, with the government's cap on international student enrollments.
— Ontario will increase the minimum wage to $17.60 an hour starting October 1.
— Ontario’s public service union says Ford’s move to mandate a five-day office return in January “blindsided” them.
— The Ministry of Environment is backtracking on plans to overhaul recycling policies, as Peel Region residents have an exemption period to allow more waste disposal from today to until next Friday.
— Caledon will seek to pass mandatory licensing and other new regulations for long- and short-term rentals.
— The Pointer has more on an investigation launched against Shelley Ann Bentley, Haldimand County’s mayor, by her ex-CAO for abusing her strong mayor powers.
— An ex-Peel student trustee spoke to The Star on beginning her studies as part of Toronto Metropolitan University’s new medical school.
Got a sighting, a move or a promotion worth noting? Is your birthday coming up? Reach out.
— Dipika Damerla and Fares Al Soud hosted an ice cream social on Saturday.
— Brad Butt out with Chris Fonseca and Stephen Dasko at the Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle.
— Michael Palleschi and Navjit Kaur Brar hosted a grill-and-greet at Creditview Sandalwood Park. Mayor Brown made an appearance.
— RIP: Garry Sault of the Mississauga’s of the Credit First Nations has died. City Hall flags will be lowered to half-mast on Friday, according to Mayor Parrish, “in recognition of his lengthy service, dedication and commitment.”
Thank you for reading The Peel Report. Are you Canada Proud? Maybe you’re Sue McFadden, Alvin Tedjo or Martin Reid? I want to hear from you and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Friday.
Today’s newsletter was edited by Ahmad Elbayoumi. Have feedback? Send us an email.
SCOOP — Canada Proud has taken on Mississauga.
In July and August, a series of ads cropped up on Facebook and Instagram: “Mississauga crime is out of control,” they warned, alongside the phone numbers of Mayor Carolyn Parrish and eight councillors, pressing people to pick up the phone and push for action.
Those featured weren’t chosen by accident. All nine opposed a historic budget hike for Peel Police last December — a furore that divided Mississauga and Brampton, and ultimately led to Parrish’s decision to quit from the police board. (At the time, Parrish said she “[had] to defend a budget I cannot defend”).
Driving the campaign is Canada Proud, described as “a grassroots group of Canadians working to defeat” Mark Carney’s Liberals. It’s led by ex-Conservative aide Jeff Ballingall, who has made his mark with viral, click-bait style posts, amplifying Conservative narratives and targeting Liberal politicians.
Through Ontario Proud, his first Facebook account, he went after ex-Premier Kathleen Wynne and later, Justin Trudeau.
In the last federal election, Canada Proud pummeled Carney with ads that questioned his character and fitness to govern. That included nearly $15,000 in ads that insinuated the Liberal leader’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Ballingall nor Canada Proud could be reached for comment.
Mississauga is Canada Proud’s latest target. According to Meta’s public disclosure, the group has spent around $86,000 on a suite of nine ads alone. Since December, the account has hammered away at posts about rising thievery and home invasions in Mississauga — and councillors’ supposed reluctance to beef up policing.
Councillor Brad Butt, singled out in one of the ads, dismissed the suggestion that he wants to “defund” local police as “disingenuous.”
In December, he was among several councillors who opposed a 23.3 per cent increase to the budget, worried it would place too heavy a load on taxpayers. At a later regional budget meeting in January, he seconded a motion, forwarded by Parrish, trimming the proposed police budget increase by 14 per cent. Later, he put forward an amended motion for an 18 per cent increase, which was defeated 9-15.
All but three councillors voted to support the lower funding increase — Alvin Tedjo, Sue McFadden and Martin Reid. Canada Proud has lauded the three councillors as “rebels” who broke with Council’s consensus by “standing up” for the police funding. All three declined to comment.
For Dipika Damerla, the core issue of protecting residents from crime is more than rhetoric. “My role isn’t simply providing services to our residents, but services in a fiscally responsible manner,” the councillor said in an interview.
To that end, Damerla says she opposed the proposed police budget increase because of her issues with opaque numbers, unclear hiring timelines, and the added tax burden on residents she believes are already struggling.
Damerla says Canada Proud’s portrayal of her as anti-police is “unfair.” She noted that she has long advocated for criminal justice reform — including changes to the bail system — to tackle issues that more police alone won’t solve.
“Police can catch criminals — but if they’re being released on bail right after, it’s not going to help,” she said.
In a statement to The Report, Parrish said Mississauga “proudly supports our police,” but argued “the current funding formula is out of date and unfair” to the city, noting Brampton’s comparatively smaller policing costs after this year’s budget hikes.
The pivot: Since August, Canada Proud hasn’t run ads directly targeting Mississauga, turning instead to cranking up the heat on Liberal policies and highlighting cases of violent crime across the country.
As one councillor put it: “You’ve got to have thick skin, and be willing to take shots — whether they’re legitimate or not,” Butt said.
— Monday at 2:00 p.m.: The Town of Caledon's Governance Review Committee will meet. The Council will hear Municipal Clerk Kevin Klingenberg present a report with recommendations to update the town's Public Notice by-law. Read up.
— Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.: Caledon's Town Council will meet to discuss a report recommending a revised date for waste collection services.
At 2:30 p.m., the Town will have a General Committee meeting. Here's what's on the agenda:
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: Mississauga's General Committee will meet. Here's what's on the agenda:
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: Brampton's City Council is meeting. Here's what's on the agenda:
— Thursday at 9:30 a.m.: Peel Regional Council will meet. Ahead:
— As Carolyn Parrish recovers from her recent knee surgery, her cat Spice also awaits treatment — a special blood test analysis performed in the United States, held up at the border.
“A victim of the Trump war on drugs and Canada, not necessarily in that order,” she wrote on X.
— Patrick Brown was on the move this weekend. He tossed the coin at the annual Ontario Fiji Association’s soccer tournament, alongside Ruby Sahota. He attended the Brampton Girls Softball Association with Councillor Rowena Santos; the Brampton Muslim Residents Association Picnic with Santos and Councillor Michael Palleschi; the World of Jazz Festival at Gage Park on Saturday; the Annual Jamaica Day Festival on Saturday; and the unveiling of the Bhavani Shankar Mandir's new Shiva statue.
— About an ex-worship: Bonnie Crombie — who is up for a leadership review this weekend — will welcome her first grandchild in February, we’re told. Read more.
— Paul Calandra says he’s “100 per cent looking at the elimination of the trustee position” from school boards, with a plan expected by the end of the year. Listen.
If trustees disappear, this is what the education system could look like.
— New data from Statistics Canada revealed national unemployment numbers are close to pandemic-level highs, with 66,000 jobs lost in August.
— Study permits and visa applications dropped in the first half of the year, with the government's cap on international student enrollments.
— Ontario will increase the minimum wage to $17.60 an hour starting October 1.
— Ontario’s public service union says Ford’s move to mandate a five-day office return in January “blindsided” them.
— The Ministry of Environment is backtracking on plans to overhaul recycling policies, as Peel Region residents have an exemption period to allow more waste disposal from today to until next Friday.
— Caledon will seek to pass mandatory licensing and other new regulations for long- and short-term rentals.
— The Pointer has more on an investigation launched against Shelley Ann Bentley, Haldimand County’s mayor, by her ex-CAO for abusing her strong mayor powers.
— An ex-Peel student trustee spoke to The Star on beginning her studies as part of Toronto Metropolitan University’s new medical school.
Got a sighting, a move or a promotion worth noting? Is your birthday coming up? Reach out.
— Dipika Damerla and Fares Al Soud hosted an ice cream social on Saturday.
— Brad Butt out with Chris Fonseca and Stephen Dasko at the Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle.
— Michael Palleschi and Navjit Kaur Brar hosted a grill-and-greet at Creditview Sandalwood Park. Mayor Brown made an appearance.
— RIP: Garry Sault of the Mississauga’s of the Credit First Nations has died. City Hall flags will be lowered to half-mast on Friday, according to Mayor Parrish, “in recognition of his lengthy service, dedication and commitment.”
Thank you for reading The Peel Report. Are you Canada Proud? Maybe you’re Sue McFadden, Alvin Tedjo or Martin Reid? I want to hear from you and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Friday.
Today’s newsletter was edited by Ahmad Elbayoumi. Have feedback? Send us an email.