Tory proposes truce to fix Ontario's economy

Today John Tory and Ontario’s Progressive Conservative Party sent an open letter to Premier Dalton McGuinty (Liberal) and Howard Hampton Leader, Ontario New Democratic Party proposing a non-partisan multi-party approach to fixing Ontario’s economy.

The full letter is below.

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Dear Premier McGuinty and Mr. Hampton,

Ontarians are worried about the economy and that worry is increasing every day. They expect us, as political leaders to work together in times of an economic crisis. It is up to us to maximize our efforts and act immediately to find solutions. Solutions which can help preserve jobs, attract investment, build stronger communities and help those who need help.

I believe we have an obligation to meet these expectations. This is less likely to occur if we carry on with “business as usual”; the same approach that has been followed for so many years in this place.

Different times call for different measures; not business as usual.

On behalf of the PC Party and our MPPs at Queen’s Park I would like to propose to both of you that we try something different.

1. Through a motion of the Legislature, establish three Select Committees consisting of two MPPs from each recognized Party. Each Party would nominate the Chair of one Committee from among its representatives;

2. Ask each of the Select Committees to examine three areas of current economic concern. I propose the following three but this should be a topic of discussion among our three House Leaders:

- Rebuilding our Manufacturing and Resource Economies;

- Strengthening Small Business and Attracting New Investment;

- Strengthening Cities and Towns and Helping Those Who Need Help;

3. Give the Committees access to various advisors, already retained or appointed by the province including Ministers and senior public servants. The Committees would also be free to consult any others they considered helpful.

4. Permit the Committees to travel and meet as they wish on a limited basis in order to solicit opinions and allow investigation of the issues they have been assigned. It is assumed the Committees would also use the Internet to gather input and ideas.

5. Ask that each Committee deliver a preliminary consensus report and recommendations no later than February 17, 2009, the first scheduled sitting day after the Christmas break.

6. Require that each Committee’s report consist only of consensus recommendations arrived at by MPPs from all parties. Dissenting reports would not be permitted.

I propose this process for a number of reasons.

First, it sends a positive signal to struggling families and businesses that we are trying our very best to do the right thing for them.

Second, I believe that MPPs from all sides have ideas to share and with the right approach they can arrive at a consensus on some of these crucial economic issues.

Third, it underlines our belief that time is of the essence. Additional action is required immediately to address the state of the economy. We need all hands on deck.

We are not wedded to the details set out above. Rather, they were included so that you might have a better idea of the thinking behind this proposal. We are quite happy to come to an agreement through the three House Leaders on how this would best work.

I hope that you will both give this proposal your serious consideration.

Ontarians have the right to expect us to work together and identify constructive initiatives that can be implemented to advance their interests and make their lives better.

If we fail to do so, we fail in our obligations to the people of this great province.

Yours sincerely
John Tory
Leader,
Ontario Progressive Conservative Party

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