Ontario Government Reform: Ideas for Better Government

There are ways to improve the representation of Ontarians through election reform: implementing ranked ballots, holding referenda on major decisions, and allowing the recall of misbehaving MPPs. Additionally, we should change election finance rules to level the playing field for all candidates and parties, allocating research dollars to every MPP instead of granting funds with official party status. Seating at Queen's Park should be organized by riding name rather than party, arranged in a horseshoe shape to promote better behaviour. Furthermore, we could consider elections for federal senators and create an elected senate chamber for Ontario to provide provincial legislation with a sober second thought.

No business or government can sustain spending beyond its means for too long before facing bankruptcy. Ontario is grappling with significant provincial debt - the highest provincial/state debt in North America - which must be addressed through effective provincial debt reduction strategies. It is essential to balance budgets, at least during the four-year term of government, while making annual debt repayments, starting as soon as possible.

Ontario government spending must be calculated to allow for tax revenues to cover all spending commitments.

Governments at all three levels must fund themselves. Ontario must establish a reliable and sustainable stream of revenue through sensible taxation and fees. This revenue system should be simplified and equitable for all, in the name of fairness.

Tax Reform will need to be crafted through expert input, and will likely include simplification, lower corporate tax rates to spur the economy and job creation and productivity increase, and a Flat Tax System to ensure all taxpayers are paying the same percentage.

The Government of Ontario should concentrate on managing its own responsibilities. It should stop interfering in municipal and federal matters. Each level of government should be responsible for its own decisions and its own funding, which would allow for more accountability to voters at each level.  Most social services are provincial - health, dental care, daycare, sernios services, education, welfare, children's services, labour, crimes with sentences under 2 years. Provinces also control energy, transportation,  natural resources, forestry, and agriculture.

We want all of Ontario's municipalities to be strong, focused, 100% locally controlled corporations. Municipalities will control their own fate by controlling their own future.  Consider the benefits of local governments managing their own affairs, allowing for more control that is closer to the people who use those services. This means that decisions made locally will not be overturned by the province or provincial tribunals, providing stability until the next local elections are held. This approach can contribute to a renewed sense of local control and accountability across Ontario.

These municipalities will take control of all publicly-funded schools in their boundaries, and school boards will be disbanded.

Ontario has been around in one form or another for over 300 years. Ontarians need to look to the future with a new flag and a new capital city (Sudbury) to focus future development northwards towards the province's geographic centre, and move away from Toronto and the resulting Toronto-centric policy-making. Embracing election reform, provincial debt reduction, and sensible taxation will be crucial for Ontario in resuming its traditional role of national leadership.