THUNDER BAY – Editorial – Ontario is facing a number of challenges. With the announcement by Premier Dalton McGuinty to step down as Premier, and the further decision of proroguing the Ontario Legislature, it leaves Ontario like a fish out of water. At a time when many might feel it is time to salute the Premier and recognize his service to Ontario, the decision to prorogue the Legislature so that the Liberal Party can select a new leader is a demonstration of partisan political arrogance.
That move states very simply that in the eyes of the Premier, and the Liberal Party of Ontario that their wants and needs are seen, at least by them as more important than Ontario. It is the kind of decision that voters are likely to remember.
Perhaps it is the final move by “Premier Dad” that ‘Dalton knows best’?
Likely it will be the start of change across Ontario as it is likely many long-serving Liberal MPPs are going to take time to decide their political futures as well. After nine years in power, the sheer weight of the responsibility of governing takes a toll on the energies of politicians.
This move, copied by the Liberals from the federal Conservatives, is also a final demonstration of Premier McGuinty’s dislike for political tough times.
The Premier is one it often has seemed who doesn’t like grinding and the partisanship of politics, preferring to attempt to rise over that. The only trouble is that over nine years, that has led to the very scandals which now will follow him and his political legacy. A premier who would get into the fight and react faster would have moved far faster to stop any scandals rather than simply sit back and attempt to rise up over them.
When one meets Dalton McGuinty, one meets a person who comes to you with charm, interesting stories, and a smile.
Dalton McGuinty would likely seek that his political legacy would be his green energy program, and his stewardship of our province.
By leaving, and by proroguing the legislature, his legacy has been badly tainted. Likely for the near future, the ORNGE scandal, the power plant closures, and the proroguing of the legislature will stand as milestones of political arrogance, the kind that voters may well apply to the Liberal Party into the next election.
It is a sad end to leave as a legacy.
Ontario is facing a number of challenges, putting the Liberal Party of Ontario as the priority is not going to help met those challenges.
James Murray
