MPP Randy Hillier Makes Queen’s Park Debut

Newly elected MPP Randy Hillier of Lanark, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington made his speaking debut in Queen’s Park today. Mr. Hillier began by welcoming 150 visiting members of the Ontario Landowners Association (OLA) to the Gallery at Queen’s Park, reminding the Assembly that the OLA promotes the principals of democracy, natural justice, strong local government, and represents the interests of the rural community. Mr. Hillier then sought and received unanimous consent from the House that “those (OLA members) present be permitted to wear the distinctive shirts that signify their membership in this very important organization,” upon which the Landowners displayed their recognizable ‘Back Off Government’ shirts. Then the following exchange was recorded in Hansard on Dec 6, 2007

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“PROPERTY RIGHTS

Mr. Randy Hillier: My question is for the Premier. The people of rural Ontario and our economy are suffering attack after attack from the McGuinty government. Excessive and costly regulations, red tape and disrespect for democracy have become the stock-in-trade of your government. From mills to markets to mines, the people of my riding and of rural Ontario are suffering at the hands of your government. Premier, your legislation allows prospectors and government agents to trespass on and destroy private property. Your ministers dismissed the unanimous will of our local communities. Your legislation deprives people of due process. The people in this gallery and myself ask you, will you end this injustice? Will you show respect for the people of rural Ontario? And will you move to protect their properties and their livelihoods by entrenching property rights? Hon. Dalton McGuinty: Let me say first of all that I welcome the member, congratulate him upon his election and offer him my very best wishes as he assumes his responsibilities. I think it will quickly become apparent that we have a significantly different perspective on the province, on our values and on our responsibilities. I happen to believe this is the greatest province in the best country in the world, and I start with that as my foundation. The member champions an anti-government movement. I’ll speak for a moment just in my capacity as an Ontario citizen. I count on my government to build, staff and maintain my schools so my kids can go there because I can’t do that on my own. I count on my government to build, staff and maintain hospitals because my family can’t do that on its own. I count on my government to protect our air and protect our water because I can’t do that on my own. I count on my government to strengthen this economy because I can’t do this on my own. I believe in government. 1500 Mr. Randy Hillier: I ask the Premier to read pages five and six of his throne speech, where you state that you have a plan for jobs, “good, high-paying jobs” that “put food on our ... tables.” Now, look around at the Liberal reality; look to the galleries and look into the faces of rural Ontario, and there you will see: Earl Saar, who lost his sawmill to the MOE; Gary Nicols, who is losing his business to the MNR; Bob Mackie, whose archery business was targeted by the NAC; Dave Honey, a juice grape farmer, squeezed out while OMAFRA watches; Bert Weery, who is fighting to keep his farm from the hands of the Attorney General; and Mr. Arnold Geisburger, whose crime was to cut firewood. Will you make your throne speech meaningful by entrenching property rights in this House? Hon. Dalton McGuinty: I just cannot share such a negative perspective, embraced by a man who is so young to be so negative. We have continued to work hand in hand with all Ontarians, including those who are blessed with the privilege of living in beautiful rural Ontario. We have worked hand in hand to improve the quality of their schools, hand in hand to improve the quality of their health care. These are things, people, of universal interest to all Ontarians. We worked hand in hand to strengthen their economy, for example, with our RED program. We worked hand in hand as well to protect the quality of the environment. We have learned a lot from Ontario farmers in particular. Apart from our First Nations, they are the original stewards of our land. My pledge to rural Ontarians is that we will continue to work with them, hand in hand, to not only maintain but to enhance the special quality of life that is only to be found in rural Ontario.” Jack MacLaren, President, Ontario Landowners Association ph: 613 832 3201 cell: 613 223 5534

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