Latest news with #OntarioLegislature
CTV News
4 days ago
- Politics
- CTV News
Longtime Sudbury-area MPP Elie Martel dies at age 90
Elie Martel, who held the former Sudbury East riding for the provincial NDP for two decades, died Aug. 13 at age 90. Elie Martel, who held the former Sudbury East riding for the provincial NDP for two decades, died Aug. 13 at age 90. A leading figure for the New Democrats in northern Ontario, his obituary said that he was first elected to the Ontario Legislature in 1967 and served as NDP house leader from 1978 to 1985. 'He doggedly fought for improved workplace health and safety and player safety in youth hockey,' his obit said. Elie and France France Gélinas, MPP for Nickel Belt, paid tribute to Martel on social media as a mentor in her political career. (Supplied) He worked for the CNR and Inco in his early years, before earning a BA in history from Laurentian University. He taught at St. Mary's school in Capreol before becoming MPP. 'After leaving the Legislature, Elie remained politically active, especially during election campaigns,' his obituary said. He and his wife, Gaye Martel, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on the day he passed. His daughter, Shelley Martel, was also an NDP MPP in Sudbury East and served in the cabinet of Premier Bob Rae in the 1990s. France Gélinas, MPP for Nickel Belt, paid tribute to Martel on social media. 'Residents will remember Elie as a good listener, a hard worker who was always willing to help,' Gélinas said. Elie and West Sudbury MPP Jamie West said Elie Martel was key in the development of Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act. (Supplied) 'I will remember Elie as a mentor who knew everything and everyone. It didn't matter where we went in the riding, he knew the people, their history, their struggles and their successes. Whenever I faced a hurdle, Elie was always there to help me. I know how fortunate I was to have Elie guiding me. I will miss him.' Sudbury MPP Jamie West said Martel was the driving force behind 'the Ham Commission, which became the basis of the Occupational Health & Safety Act in Ontario.' A visitation will be held from 1-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Lougheed Funeral Home at 4605 Michelle Drive in Hanmer. A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church at a later date.
Toronto Sun
05-08-2025
- Health
- Toronto Sun
Ontario makes program aimed at keeping seniors out of hospital permanent
Published Aug 05, 2025 • 1 minute read Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Ontario Minister of Long-Term Care, is seen at the Ontario Legislature in Toronto on Tuesday December 3, 2024. Photo by Chris Young / THE CANADIAN PRESS Ontario's long-term care minister has announced that the province is making a paramedic program that helps keep patients out of hospital permanent. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Natalia Kusendova-Bashta says the Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care program has served more than 81,000 people since launching as a pilot project in 2020 and expanding across the province in 2022. The program sees community paramedics treat seniors who are waiting for long-term care in their homes for non-emergency issues such as help with chronic disease management. The government says community paramedics typically provide care within hours or days, which helps prevent emergency incidents and eases pressures on hospitals. Ontario is putting $89 million toward the program, which includes expanding services offered in First Nations communities. The Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs says the pilot project 'has demonstrated the unique role paramedics play in our health-care system outside of 911 response, by enabling seniors to age at home and reduce emergency room visits.' RECOMMENDED VIDEO Canada World Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto & GTA Canada
National Observer
24-07-2025
- Politics
- National Observer
Ford to change parks law for Wasaga Beach redevelopment
The Ford government is proposing legislative changes to the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act to remove nearly one-third of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park from protection and transfer the land to the Town of Wasaga Beach for development. Under the current Act, removing more than 50 hectares or one percent of a provincial park requires a study, a report and approval by the Ontario Legislature. Experts say to enable this land transfer, which would remove more than five times that area — 261 hectares — the province would first need to remove that key safeguard from the Act. Tim Gray, executive director of Environmental Defence, warns this change would make it easier for the province to quietly remove sections of parks without public scrutiny and could open the door to privatizing protected lands across Ontario. 'If that clause is repealed, the cabinet could quietly remove parts of any provincial park in Ontario whenever they want without the public knowing and without the legislature voting on it,' Gray said. In its public posting, the government mentioned an amendment to the Act but did not clarify which section would be changed. Canada's National Observer reached out to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks for clarification but did not receive a response in time for publication. The Ford government has previously introduced dozens of legislative changes to fast-track resource development and enable the transfer of environmentally protected public land to private interests, such as the Greenbelt land swap, the Ontario Place redevelopment and the proposed Dresden landfill. While the province says the Wasaga Beach move is intended to boost tourism, environmental advocates are raising alarms about both the local impact and the broader precedent. The Ford government has previously introduced dozens of legislative changes to fast-track resource development and enable the transfer of environmentally protected public land to private interests. Gray said this fits a wider pattern under the Ford government: shifting public lands to private hands by rewriting laws. Environmental concerns The lands being targeted include ecologically sensitive sand dunes, wetlands and nesting habitat for the endangered piping plover. Tony Morris, conservation director at Ontario Nature, says transferring these areas to the town puts both wildlife and long-standing conservation efforts at risk. Morris said Ontario Parks has managed the area for decades, restoring dunes and protecting habitat. Under town ownership, those protections could disappear. Without the Provincial Parks Act in place, Morris says the town would not be required to manage the land for ecological health. He questioned why the transfer is even needed, noting Wasaga Beach is already Ontario's most-visited provincial park. 'There's not a lot of information on why this is necessary. What's the business case?' Morris said. Both Environmental Defence and Ontario Nature plan to submit formal comments to the Ford government and notify the federal environment minister about risks to the piping plover — a federally protected species. Earlier this year, the Ford government announced a $38 million investment to build 'Destination Wasaga' — a tourism project that includes revitalizing Nancy Island, upgrading roads and transferring part of the provincial park to the town. The province says the goal is to boost tourism, support jobs and grow the local economy. 'Wouldn't have it any other way' The proposed changes do not say whether the transferred lands will be sold to private developers. In an email response, Brian Smith, mayor of the Town of Wasaga Beach, confirmed the town is seeking about 60 hectares as part of the proposed transfer from Wasaga Beach Provincial Park. Smith says the land is not being given to private developers but to the municipality, with the condition that the beach remains public. 'The plan is to collaborate with the province to reimagine the large swath of crumbling, paved parking lot at Beach Area 1,' Smith said. 'The Town and citizens of Wasaga Beach wouldn't have it any other way.' Smith said the goal is to create a sustainable, four-season waterfront destination focused on eco-tourism and public access. The town will work with ecologists, urban designers and the community to ensure shoreline areas — including dunes and piping plover habitat — are protected, he added. The Town has recently pursued redevelopment at Beach Area One, including selling several pieces of public beachfront land for millions to a private developer. On its website, the town says it is actively seeking 'a visionary partner to help reimagine our waterfront into a globally recognized destination.' It adds: 'The right partner will help us set a new benchmark for sustainable urban design.' Gray said that pattern suggests the new parkland would likely follow the same path. 'There's no guarantee these parklands won't be next,' he said. Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner says Ford is once again removing important protections, just like with Bill 5 — this time putting provincial parks at risk. 'He's doing it all to benefit wealthy insiders and putting the rest of provincial parks under threat,' Schreiner said. 'Ontario parks belong to the people, not wealthy Ford-connected insiders.' He urged the public to push back before more damage is done. 'Our parks are home to species at risk, vital wetlands and ecological features that protect nearby communities from flooding and extreme weather,' Schreiner said in a statement. 'They are also cherished spaces where Ontario families can camp, hike, swim, paddle and connect with each other and nature.' What's next The proposed changes still need to be voted on at Queen's Park, but that won't happen until the legislature returns in late October. Gray is urging people to act now by contacting their MPPs and pushing back. He says provincial parks belong to the people of Ontario and should remain protected. 'It is appalling that the current government is trying to give away big parts of our most popular park and make it easy to give more park land away in the future,' Gray said. 'These beachfront lands on Georgian Bay are worth millions of dollars and owned by the people of Ontario. They should never be a gift to well-connected developers.'
Hamilton Spectator
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Hardeman celebrates 30 years in provincial politics
The longest-serving current member of the Ontario Legislature recently reached three decades of public service. 'It's been quite an experience,' said Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman. 'Looking ahead, 30 years seems like a long time, but looking back, it seems like just the other day.' Hardeman was first elected in June of 1995, defeating NDP incumbent Kim Sutherland. He has since been re-elected nine more times, most recently earning 55 per cent of the vote in last year's provincial election. 'It had its ups and downs. I spent the first eight years in government and the next 15 years in the opposition and now back in government. What's most rewarding about it, it doesn't really matter if you are on the government side or the opposition, it's working with your local people that makes the job worthwhile.' Hardeman's longevity has earned him the official title of Dean of the Legislative Assembly and he explained being a sitting MPP has never felt like a job. 'It's always been something that I just do. If you enjoy what you're doing, it's never work, and for me, that's definitely true with politics. I guess that's what keeps me going, even when people suggested maybe I shouldn't do it anymore. I just can't think of a better way to spend my time.' Before the legislature shuttered for its summer break, Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott delivered an address praising Hardeman to non-partisan applause. 'This Sunday, June 8, marks his 30th anniversary as MPP for Oxford. 90 seconds just isn't enough time to list all his accomplishments, but I would like to highlight a few.' Hardeman spearheaded a private members' bill called the Hawkins-Gignac Act, which was passed in 2013. Officially called the Carbon Monoxide Safety Act, it is a groundbreaking Ontario law that mandates carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in all homes equipped with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages. It amends the Fire Protection and Prevention Act to include carbon monoxide safety, enabling enforcement through Ontario's Fire Code and proclaims the first week in November as Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week each year. The bill, which was first tabled in 2008, was inspired by the tragic 2008 death of OPP Const. Laurie Hawkins, her husband Richard, and their children Cassandra (14) and Jordan (12). A blocked chimney vent caused deadly carbon monoxide to seep into their Woodstock home, which had no CO detectors 'He had to introduce it five times but he got it passed and it has been saving lives in Ontario ever since,' proclaimed Scott. Hardeman said he is proud of passing the legislation and the fact it has made a difference. 'It is the one thing I can say, I did that at Queen's Park, I did that when I was a member and it wasn't just about supporting the government or the opposition. That was something we did that happened and we can actually measure when it saves lives.' The 77-year-old former owner and operator of Hardeman Feed Limited from 1966 to 1995 pointed to several other improvements in the riding during his tenure. 'Almost all schools have been rebuilt or replaced, we have a new hospital in Woodstock and almost a new hospital in Tillsonburg with all the additions and repairs. Oxford has been good to me and I think the government has been good for Oxford.' Hardeman also served as the associate Minister of Rural Municipal Affairs, where he launched the Rural Economic Development Program. 'It continues to this day and is responsible for thousands of jobs across rural Ontario. He served as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs twice. He introduced protections for farmers and animals by preventing trespassing. He introduced legislation to support farmers through the mental health challenges that a career in agriculture can present,' added Scott. Hardeman said the kind words from his fellow elected official were a pleasant surprise. 'I wasn't expecting that. She's been a great friend and if someone was going to do it, I wasn't surprised she did. At the same time, I wasn't expecting anybody to do it.' Scott is the second-longest-serving provincial politician among current MPPs in the province. Hardeman hosted a reception at Sally Creek on June 8 and invited his supporters, including those who were in his camp 30 long years ago. 'That was the best thing about having our little get-together, being able to thank all the people. Not the ones that helped the last time, but the people who were there the first time. I had the privilege of recognizing my first campaign manager from 1995.' Dennis Vollmerhausen was the campaign manager who Hardeman said was instrumental in his first election victory. As for whether Hardeman will participate in his tenth provincial election next time around, that remains to be seen. 'I always insisted that I didn't want to decide on how I should be judged on my performance for this term until we get near the end of it. The next election is always a report card on your last one.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Toronto Star
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Star
Ontario environment minister apologizes for ‘confusion' over clean water bill letter
Ontario MPP Todd McCarthy attends Question Period at the Ontario Legislature in Toronto, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023. Chris Young/ The Canadian Press flag wire: true flag sponsored: false article_type: : sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/toronto_star bHasMigratedAvatar : false :
