‘Insane decisions’

Dear Editor:

This week I found myself again writing a letter, this time to both Premier Doug Ford and our local MPP Joseph Racinsky. 

I didn’t write to them as a political insider or policy expert, but as an Ontarian who is paying attention and who is increasingly concerned about the direction and priorities of their government.

This week Ford, after conceding to selling his newly bought plane back once again defended the decision to purchase this $29-million private jet, calling it “embarrassing” that a province the size of Ontario does not have one. But with respect, that is not what many of us find embarrassing.

What is embarrassing is a government that appears more focused on symbolic gestures like “buck-a-beer” than on the very real and urgent issue of grocery prices that are forcing people to make impossible choices about how or whether they can afford to eat. 

What is embarrassing is hearing commitments to transparency while simultaneously pursuing legislative changes that allows your government to exempt itself from that very principle. That our MPP voted for this. 

What is embarrassing is watching priorities shift toward projects that benefit the few, such as spa developments and privatized ventures while Ontario’s health care system continues to struggle under strain, leaving both patients and workers to carry the burden.

What is embarrassing is the ongoing erosion of trust when decisions around protected lands, including wetlands and provincial parks, appear to prioritize development over environmental stewardship.

And the list continues but perhaps the most concerning of all is the growing perception that Ontarians are expected not to notice, to not question these insane decisions. We do notice. And we do question.

Leadership is not defined by the ability to justify decisions after the fact, but by making choices that reflect the needs, values and well being of the people you serve. Right now, many Ontarians are not seeing themselves reflected in those choices.

I urge you and your government to reconsider your priorities, to listen more closely to the concerns being raised across this province and to act in a way that restores trust and demonstrates accountability. 

Because what truly matters is not whether Ontario has a private jet, but whether its people feel seen, supported and respected.

Do better. Or step down.

Kristen Reilly,
Fergus