QUEEN’S PARK – NDP Municipal Affairs critic Jeff Burch (Niagara Centre) released the following statement on the Ford government Strong Mayor proposal:

“Once again, Doug Ford is demonstrating his disdain for local democracy by unilaterally interfering with municipal politics during a municipal election with no consultation.

Ford’s Strong Mayor proposal has nothing to do with housing as Ford himself already admitted. It’s about this premier giving mayors the power to help him bypass councils, override local bylaws and stifle consultation. This bill will make local government less transparent and less accountable while doing nothing at all to address the affordable housing crisis.”