Wellington Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott believes his party is a champion of rural areas – even though it can do little to help under current circumstances.
Arnott was reacting to a comment by Wellington County Warden Chris White, who told county council Arnott was working hard for the county, but no particular party seems to want to champion rural causes. That is likely because the most votes and legislature seats are in urban areas.
Arnott said, “I would dispute that. The vast majority of our caucus represents rural Ontario … We are actively engaged in bringing forward the views of our ridings.”
But, he agreed, “It is true the [Dalton] McGuinty Liberals have their strengths in Toronto and the GTA [Greater Toronto Area]. We have said at times they are too focused. They need to represent all Ontario including the north, the east and the rural areas.”
He agreed with White that “The McGuinty government does seem to turn a blind eye to rural Ontario.”
Arnott said one problem facing rural Ontario stems from his own party. “Some are dissatisfied we didn’t win the last election. We have to do our job and win the next election and address these issues. A change of government would do it.”
Arnott said “Urban Ontario needs rural Ontario. To the extent the premier ignores this …”
He noted part of his riding is Halton Hills, which is considered part of the GTA. He said people he talks to there do not identify with Toronto.
As for the complaints about what the OLG is doing to remove the slots support for the horse industry, the complaints about wind turbines and the way farm taxes are paid, as well as the Melancthon mega quarry, Arnott said, “I can’t say I’m satisfied with the government response to these issues.”
But urban and rural area need to get along. “We’re all in this together. We’re stronger as a united province.”
Arnott said, “If government continues to ignore what we’re saying … continues to turn a blind eye … the accountability rests with them.”
By-election coming
Arnott’s long time colleague Elizabeth Witmer represented Kitchener-Waterloo until she resigned last month after McGuinty offered her a job with the Workplace Safety Insurance Board.
Arnott said, “Elizabeth and I have been friends and colleagues for over 20 years. She was the best member of the house … All three parties will miss her.”
The resignation leaves her seat up for grabs and McGuinty has to call a by-election within six months. The Liberals are a single seat away from a majority government, so the coming election is going to be a major battle.
