Riding issues

In recent months, there has been discussion about the possibility of boundary changes to our federal riding of Wellington-Halton Hills. 

The federal commission studying riding redistribution initially recommended leaving Wellington-Halton Hills unchanged.

However, a subsequent proposal floated the idea of splitting the riding in two.

The process for reviewing federal riding boundaries is intended to be non-partisan and community based, and will continue into 2013.

Since 1999, the Ontario Legislature has accepted the same riding boundaries in southern Ontario as the boundaries established for the federal House of Commons.

However, this is not set in stone. Going forward, the Ontario Legislature may accept or reject the new federal ridings, or possibly even create its own redistribution commission for new provincial riding boundaries.

Time will tell, and the process takes time.

In the recent past, even when the provincial Legislature has accepted the new federal riding boundaries, it has taken up to three years before they have been established as provincial ridings (federal and provincial elections rarely coincide in the same year).

Most likely, the current boundaries for the provincial riding of Wellington-Halton Hills will remain intact for the next provincial election, and possibly for several years after that.

It has been my honour to serve in the Ontario Legislature for more than 22 years.

Since 2007, I have been privileged to represent all the people of Wellington-Halton Hills. During that time, I cannot recall a single instance where the interests of the Wellington side of the riding conflicted with the Halton Hills side. Our communities have much in common.

It is a pleasure to serve you. Thank you for your support.

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On Jan. 7, I was glad to join Mayor Rick Bonnette and Members of the Town of Halton Hills council, Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr, and MP Michael Chong to celebrate the opening of the new Acton GO Train station.  

This again demonstrates what we can accomplish when we work together.

Congratulations Acton!

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Small business is truly the backbone of our local and provincial economy. Small business owners are the most flexible and dynamic job creators we have.

Our unemployment rate in Ontario is unacceptably high. Too many young people are not getting that first job opportunity.

The provincial government should try to find ways to help, by looking at ways to reduce unnecessary red tape and high taxes and fees on small business.

My office has launched a small business survey, and it’s on my website.  I invite your response, and thank all who offer me their ideas and advice.

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As I have said many times, I believe the vast majority of Ontario’s teachers are caring and dedicated professionals, who just want to teach. Their union leaders should let them teach.

Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott welcomes comments. He can be reached at 1-800-265-2366. His website is www.tedarnottmpp.com.

 

Ted Arnott

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