Provincial Advocacy
How Provincial Policy Lands in Stratford
Provincial policy doesn't stay in Toronto. It lands on this council's desk as programs we're asked to opt into, funding formulas we have to navigate, and legislation that reshapes how this city can govern itself. I read the underlying data on every one of these, ask what it actually does in a market like Stratford's, and I'm willing to say no to Queen's Park when the evidence says a program won't do what it claims.
That depth of understanding is exactly why I advocate for the following at the provincial level:
Voting no on the Ontario-Canada Development Charge Reduction Program.
I questioned the assumption that cutting development charges automatically translates to lower housing prices for buyers. In Stratford, where infrastructure costs are high, eliminating these charges without a guaranteed provincial backfill risks shifting the burden directly onto local property taxpayers while developers retain the savings. Watch my full statement beginning at the 49 minute mark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jK1HD_EhI4E&t=2940s
Providing expert testimony on rent control gaps and standardized renoviction protections.
I advocated for provincial standards that prevent the predatory use of N13 eviction notices. Stratford renters need a predictable market, and the current loopholes allow for the permanent loss of affordable units under the guise of minor cosmetic repairs.
Creating a transitional family housing stream outside the domestic violence shelter mandate.
Many families in unsafe or unsustainable housing situations don't qualify for domestic violence shelter services but still have nowhere safe to go. I've advocated for a dedicated transitional housing option built specifically for these families.
Reforming the Transfer Payment Ontario system.
I lobbied for a streamlined provincial application process. Small municipalities spend too many staff hours navigating redundant reporting requirements that could be better spent on direct service delivery.
Opposing the expansion of involuntary care.
I argued that without a massive investment in voluntary treatment capacity and supportive housing, involuntary care is a revolving door that doesn't solve the underlying mental health crisis and raises significant human rights concerns.
Supporting a redevelopment pathway and a dedicated operating grant for small, rural, and northern long-term care homes.
Stratford's aging population needs local options. I advocated for funding formulas that recognize smaller homes don't have the same economies of scale as large corporate facilities and need specific support to remain viable.
Advocating to expand technology-enabled aging-in-place programs.
I campaigned for provincial investment in remote monitoring and home-based support tech that allows Stratford seniors to stay in their homes longer, reducing the pressure on our long-term care waitlists.
Opposing Ontario's new cash bail deposit requirement.
I raised concerns that this creates a two-tiered justice system where freedom is based on wealth rather than risk, placing an undue burden on the most vulnerable members of our community.
Fixing the impact of employment zone designations on service facilities.
I lobbied for zoning flexibility that allows social service providers to locate where they are most reachable, rather than being restricted to industrial areas that lack transit and pedestrian access.
Opposing the expansion of Strong Mayor powers.
I firmly believe that municipal democracy works best when it is collaborative. I advocated for maintaining the existing council structure where the mayor is one vote among equals, ensuring true local representation and accountability.
Opposing Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act.
I raised serious concerns about how this legislation strips municipalities of their ability to manage growth and protect environmentally sensitive areas. My focus was on the loss of parkland dedication and the financial impact of exempting certain developments from fees that pay for essential services like water and sewers.
Flagging a gap in Bill 10, Schedule 8, that would have forced landlords to evict tenants for drug use, with no exemption for supportive housing.
I caught this gap and flagged it to the rest of the sector: the bill created criminal liability and fines for landlords with no carve-out for supportive housing providers or not-for-profit operators using a low-barrier approach, the exact population it would harm most. The province is now working on amendments to address the chilling effect this would have had on service providers.
Shifting social service funding from a per diem model to a block funding model.
I pushed for a funding structure that allows Stratford to be flexible. Per diem models penalize efficiency and prevent us from investing in preventative measures that actually reduce the need for emergency beds.
Increasing ODSP and OWSP rates and making both programs more accessible.
I joined municipal leaders across Ontario in calling for rates that reflect the actual cost of living. When provincial social assistance doesn't cover basic rent, it is the municipal taxpayer who pays through increased shelter and emergency costs.
Maintaining provincial funding for addiction treatment centres in London and Kingston.
Stratford residents rely on these regional hubs. I advocated against any provincial clawbacks that would lengthen wait times for our residents seeking critical, life-saving care.
Raising concerns about spouses being separated in long-term care placement.
I pushed for a 'compassionate placement' policy that prioritizes keeping couples together, recognizing that the trauma of separation significantly impacts the health and well-being of our seniors.
Working with the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police on an alternative to Bill 6's encampment enforcement approach.
I focused on a 'housing-first' response that gives police and social workers the tools to transition people into stability rather than simply moving encampments from one park to another.
Lending expertise to human trafficking response initiatives and public education programs.
I advocated for provincial resources to support local coordinated responses, ensuring that Stratford's frontline workers have the training and tools to identify and support victims of exploitation.
Advising NGOs, charities, and service providers across Ontario.
I regularly consult on how provincial policy impacts the non-profit sector, ensuring that the organizations Stratford relies on for social fabric are sustainable and well-governed.
Why This Matters for Stratford
Provincial decisions aren't abstract—they decide if a senior in Stratford can stay in their home, if a young family can afford their first house, and how much of your property tax goes toward emergency services instead of parks and recreation. My role is to ensure that Stratford isn't just a recipient of provincial policy, but an active participant in shaping it to work for us.