First the TOC, now this?

 

Freedom of Information laws are supposed to shine a light on government — not help politicians hide in the dark.

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That is why the Ford government’s attempt to weaken these laws is so deeply troubling.

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Over the last several years, Ontarians have watched scandal after scandal unfold: the Greenbelt controversy, questions surrounding Ontario Place, the closure of the Science Centre, massive government advertising spending, growing concerns about insider access and political favouritism, and now serious concerns surrounding the Ford government’s ties to the Midtown Oakville TOC project. Much of what the public knows today came from Freedom of Information requests.

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Now, instead of strengthening transparency, Premier Doug Ford is moving to shield political offices and insiders from public scrutiny. My own MPP, Stephen Crawford, is supporting these changes.

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At this point, “Freedom of Information” under Doug Ford feels more like: “Information? Not a chance.”

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Ontarians should ask themselves a simple question: if this government has nothing to hide, why reduce transparency?

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This government has repeatedly shown that it is more interested in protecting wealthy insiders, well-connected developers, and political friends than protecting the interests of everyday Ontarians struggling with rising costs, overcrowded classrooms, and an overstretched healthcare system. Weakening Freedom of Information laws only deepens the public’s concern that decisions are being made behind closed doors for the benefit of a select few.

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Democracy cannot function without accountability. When governments hide information, public trust erodes. People begin to lose confidence that decisions are being made fairly, openly, and in the best interests of their communities.

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Ontario deserves better.

 

Oakville deserves better.

 

We deserve a government that believes transparency is a responsibility, not a threat.

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- Alison