The hot-potato vote happening today
Plus: Air Ford None
DEMOCRACY DIES IN DARKNESS
What happens behind closed doors in the Premier’s and Ministers’ Offices? As of today, we may never know.
After a late-night sitting, the Ford government pushed forward its sprawling controversial budget Bill 97, which most notably guts freedom-of-information laws. It also merges conservation authorities, caps resale ticket prices, and allows redevelopment of a lot outside the Rogers Centre.
Critics have said it hobbles access to information at the very top — a move that would not only apply to future FOI requests, but retroactive ones too. And Premier DOUG FORD has all but admitted this is about shielding his personal cellphone, which he gives out and uses for government business often.
No witnesses: Those hoping for a public airing of grievances — think: expert testimony, citizen input, possible amendments — are out of luck. The PCs had fast-tracked the legislation, skipping committee hearings entirely. It went straight for six hours of third-reading debate…
