QUEEN’S PARK — Mike Schreiner released the following statement in response to the passing of Bill 307:
“The past three days have shown how quickly the Premier is willing to act to violate Ontarians’ Charter Rights and silence critics.
This is a dark day for democracy in Ontario.
The Premier abused the notwithstanding clause to put his own political self-interest over Ontarians’ Charter Rights.
And Ontarians won’t forget.
This is the first time ever that the notwithstanding clause has been used in our province. And all for what? To silence the government’s critics ahead of the 2022 election.
Why doesn’t the Premier move with the same urgency to make pandemic pay permanent for hardworking PSWs? Or to support struggling small businesses? Or to get kids safely back in schools?
The Premier is laser focused on getting re-elected. He’s not interested in helping the people of Ontario.
Shame on Premier Ford and shame on this government.
I will continue to fight against this government’s undemocratic, out of touch and self-serving agenda, and push for decisions that actually help the people of this province.”