NDP member concerned with Ontario’s democratic rights

Democracy is at the heart of a Private Member’s Bill from an NDP member that was debated at Queen’s Park this week.

Chris Glover introduced the bill because of some of the actions taken by the Premier.

He sought a Commissioner of Democratic Rights to ensure government decisions do not overstep those rights.

“The Commissioner would be an independent officer of the legislature who would keep an eye on our democratic rights,” says Glover.

He says the Commissioner would also be a watchdog of elections and encourage greater participation.

Glover cites several examples of legislation and actions by the Premier that put democratic rights in jeopardy.

“He has invoked strong mayor powers, which allow the mayor and a third of city councillors to override decisions by two-thirds of city councillors,” says Glover.

“He has dismissed elected school trustees, and we have been electing school trustees in Ontario and before that in Upper Canada since 1816.”

He adds the Premier’s ability to declare special economic zones and override any provincial or municipal law, and his discussion of wanting Conservative judges also points to the need for a Commissioner of Democratic Rights.

The Progressive Conservatives used their majority to quash the bill.