What to do?

County residents wrestle with desire for change and worry about Doug Ford government

A CONVERSATION WITH TODD SMITH

Iexpect a great many folks in Prince Edward County will be glad to see the end of Kathleen Wynne’s government on June 7. This is particularly so in South Marysburgh where the country side and roads are giving way to a destructive industrial wind turbine development—an emblem of the foul and egregious Green Energy Act (GEA).

Many electors, too, are appreciative of the job Todd Smith has done in representing the interests of County residents at Queen’s Park. He has been vocal, articulate and consistent on the matters that concern his constituents in this corner of the newly formed riding of Bay of Quinte.

Voters aren’t nearly as magnanimous, however, on the matter of the Ontario PC leader, Doug Ford. Barely a third of Bay of Quinte voting members chose Doug Ford in the third and final ballot. The overwhelming choice in this region was Christine Elliott. Todd Smith was Elliott’s co-chair in her bid for the leadership of the party.

But Elliott lost her bid. Doug Ford won. So, the question The Times put to Smith was: Why should they support a party with a leader they can’t abide? Or worse, risk Ford doing such a ruinous job that he could sour the electorate toward a fiscal conservative party for another generation?

Smith admits it has been a journey for him. One propelled by the necessity of replacing the current government. But Smith adds that he has come to know a different side to Doug Ford in the weeks since he was elected leader.

“He listens,” Smith told The Times. “And he is a compassionate person. He really cares about the issues that people are struggling with in Ontario. I believe he is intent on making Ontario a better place.”

Compassion is important—but can he translate this into meaningful policies that actually help Ontarian’s lives?

Smith noted that while Ford is inevitably tweaking some plans, the Ontario PC policy platform—developed over two years with extensive consultation across the province—remains largely intact and serves as the blueprint for a new PC government at Queen’s Park.

“Doug is relying on a lot of the work we’ve already done,” said Smith. “Our policy advisory process was completed nearly two years ago. He has reviewed that work. And while he is tinkering with some of it—he appreciates the work that has been done.”

Observers of Doug Ford say he tends to focus only on the issues right in front of him. Critics say governing requires more strategic rigour than Ford possesses.

Smith reminded The Times that Ford is going to Queen’s Park surrounded by strong people including Christine Elliott, Vic Fideli, Christine Mulroney and caucus members who bring vast experience and talent to the government benches.

But will he listen to these folks?

“Oh yes. One of the things I have appreciated about Doug over the past weeks, is his willingness to reach out and ask for help,” said Smith, who is pegged to take on the energy portfolio. “He is a business man. He knows you have to delegate to get things done. He really depends on his caucus and those of us who have been critics of the government these past four years. He relies on the work we’ve done and our experience.

“Every couple of days we talk about energy issues. I know he does the same with Vic Fideli on finance issues, or Christine Elliott and Jeff Yurek on healthcare. He has been consulting heavily with the caucus.”

Among Ford’s early commitments was to reduce the corporate tax rate from 11.5 to 10 per cent, recognizing Ontario has lost economic competitiveness over the past 15 years.

“It’s a signal,” said Smith. “That Ontario is open again for business.”

In terms of energy policy, Smith says a Doug Ford government will scrap the Green Energy Act. He assured The Times that more detailed energy policy will follow in the weeks ahead.

Smith expects Doug Ford to devote much of his energy on making the Ontario government leaner. Ford noted last month that in 2003 the ministry of health got by with seven deputy ministers. Today there are 27 deputy ministers.

“When bureaucracies grow out of control, it is the front line that hurts most,” said Smith. “When hospital bureaucracies become bloated the effect is felt on the front line—by the PSWs and the nurses who provide the care we need. In schools there is a lack of EAs and teaching assistants but the bureaucracy expands steadily.”

Todd Smith knows his party has a lot riding on Doug Ford. He knows too that changing the culture in the Ontario government will be hard work—that it will require a strong back and determination.

“There is a strong desire for change in this province,” said Smith. “And I feel very comfortable the Doug Ford is the person to lead that change.”