Even though the Ontario Legislature is currently in summer recess, many MPPs are actively engaged in public hearings on subjects ranging from gravel pits to auto insurance.
Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott says all-party Standing Committees have the potential to contribute greatly to fixing problems.
“When we hear directly from the people in a public forum in their own communities, it’s refreshing to hear the unvarnished truth,” Arnott said.
“We can take that public input into account, and then recommend the legislative and policy changes that are needed.”
Arnott has attended Standing Committee deliberations and public hearings on the Aggregate Resources Act in Kitchener, auto insurance in Brampton, and energy at Queen’s Park.
“When it comes to pits and quarries, we need to find the right balance between the province’s need for aggregate, the protection of our natural environment, and the legitimate rights of neighbouring property owners,” Arnott said. “It’s clear that Ontario’s high auto insurance premiums are driven higher still by fraud.”
This summer, other standing committees of the legislature are studying the Ornge air ambulance scandal, the LCBO and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, amongst other issues.
Arnott added most MPPs are also busy in their ridings attending events and meeting with constituents when the legislature is not in session.
