Q&A: Marit Stiles wants to hand back authority to Ontario municipalities 

Two years ago Marit Stiles became leader of Ontario’s official opposition. 

She has since doggedly raised concerns in the provincial legislature over healthcare data that show Doug Ford’s PCs have failed to adequately invest in the system. The NDP leader has done the same with the education file, the PC record on environmental protections and many other issues her Party has raised as the official opposition.   

Investing more into education and healthcare are central pillars of the Party’s election platform. During the leader’s debate on February 17, she said, “the hallway healthcare crisis was invented by the previous Liberal government, but Doug Ford and his government have poured gasoline all over it.”

There is obvious frustration among NDP supporters across the province who have watched critical services in Ontario deteriorate under three decades of rule by the Liberals and PCs. Bob Rae, the last NDP premier, was defeated by PC Mike Harris in 1995.

Stiles responded to a series of questions from The Pointer. She addressed municipal downloading and how she will invest in Ontario hospitals and schools to reverse significant funding shortfalls under Ford.

Why would you be a better leader for Ontario’s municipalities? 

Ford’s government has consistently undermined municipal authority, from overriding local planning decisions to stripping councils of their power. As Premier, I’ll be a partner to municipalities, respecting their autonomy and delivering the stable funding they need to build strong and caring communities in every corner of the province.

How would you help towns and cities struggling financially due to the downloading of costs from Queen’s Park?

Municipalities have been forced to take on more responsibilities without the necessary funding, creating a crisis in local services. That’s why New Democrats are bringing forward our New Deal for Municipalities — a plan to reverse the decades of unfair downloads and bring stability to municipal finances. An NDP government will take back provincial responsibility for affordable housing, shelters and homelessness prevention, and restore the 50 percent provincial funding for municipal transit operational costs. Our plan will apply a rural and Northern lens to recognize the unique challenges faced by communities across the province.

Would you repeal strong mayor powers?

Ford’s strong mayor powers are just another example of this government imposing a massive change on municipalities without consultation. We had just gone through the 2022 provincial election and there was no mention of this policy — the affected communities had no notice about this arbitrary and unilateral shift in the way their City Halls operate. I’ll work with municipal leaders, stakeholders, and community members to ensure our local governments are fair, transparent, and well-supported by the province.

NDP leader Marit Stiles plans to bring forward a new deal for municipalities and reverse downloading.

(X/Marit Stiles)

How would you fix the healthcare system?

Everyone should have access to the care they need, close to home and when they need it — but Ford’s failure to address hallway healthcare has left Ontarians waiting longer than ever for care. My government would invest in a targeted recruitment and retention program to rebuild our health care workforce. We’ll hire 3,500 doctors and 15,000 nurses to keep our ERs staffed and connect every Ontarian with primary care. By providing additional administrative support, we can ensure that medical professionals spend less time on paperwork and more time treating patients. 

Would you include funding in your first budget to expand Brampton’s Peel Memorial into a hospital if elected?

Brampton has been waiting far too long for adequate healthcare infrastructure. I am committed to working with local leaders to carry forward the plan for Phase 2 of Peel Memorial. An NDP government will expand Ontario's hospital infrastructure and recognize that Brampton’s rapid growth demands real investment.  

Would your government cover the $450 million gap Mississauga City Hall has been asked to pay for its new hospital?

Mississauga Hospital’s expansion is critical for the entire region, and the Ford government’s refusal to fully fund it is unacceptable. Once again, he’s forced municipal governments to shoulder the burden of infrastructure that has always been a provincial responsibility. An Ontario NDP government will reverse the years of unfair downloads to local governments, and ensure this vital regional healthcare facility gets built without putting undue financial pressure on the city and its residents.

Would you cover the operating costs of the Hurontario LRT for the first three years, similar to the new deals in Toronto and Ottawa?

Transit is essential for economic growth and sustainability — that’s why New Democrats are committed to covering the operating costs of the Hurontario LRT for the first three years, and restoring the 50 percent provincial funding for municipal transit operations in the long run. An NDP government will invest in public transit, making it affordable and accessible for everyone.

What are your plans for education, particularly special education which has been significantly cut?

Education has been underfunded for years, and students — especially those with special needs — are paying the price. I would invest in hiring more teachers, education assistants, early childhood educators, and child and youth workers to reduce class sizes and give students the one-on-one attention they deserve. We’ll reverse Ford’s $1,500-per-student cut and conduct a comprehensive review of education funding to focus on a needs-based model that supports every learner.

Marit Stiles has made education and healthcare key pillars of her Party’s platform, pledging to invest more to hire workers in both sectors.

(X/Marit Stiles) 

Would you commit to the action strategy outlined by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance? 

The Ontario NDP is committed to accessibility and will work with the AODA Alliance to implement real action on accessibility. Ford has broken the province’s promise to make Ontario fully accessible by 2025, and we will take immediate steps to get back on track, ensuring people with disabilities have equal access to public spaces, services, and employment opportunities.

Would your government make municipalities “whole” to pay for infrastructure needed to meet current new housing targets? 

Municipalities are being forced to take on the financial burden of new housing developments without the necessary support for infrastructure. Our New Deal for Municipalities will alleviate that burden, uploading key services to the province and allowing municipalities to focus on their role in taking on the housing crisis. We will work in real partnership with local governments to meet housing targets while maintaining livable, well-serviced communities.

You have pledged to double Ontario Disability Support Program benefits. When would this be done?

People on ODSP are living in legislated poverty, and it’s unacceptable. An Ontario NDP government would double the income support for ODSP and Ontario Works recipients, starting with an immediate 20 percent increase and doubling the following year. People with disabilities deserve to live with dignity, and we will make sure they get the financial support they need.

How would you lower emissions to meet established targets?

The NDP’s Green New Democratic Deal would implement a real plan to reduce our carbon footprint while creating good jobs and keeping life affordable. We’ll bring in strong greenhouse gas reduction targets — at least a 50 percent reduction from 2005 levels by 2030, and net-zero by 2050 or earlier. Ontarians will have the opportunity to reduce their monthly costs and play a role in our push to net-zero, with a program to provide free or discounted energy-efficient retrofits. Our automotive sector will be supported by the province’s first Zero-Emissions Vehicle strategy, ramping up ZEV sales and ensuring public transit vehicles are non-emitting by 2040. We must take bold action to fight climate change and protect our province for future generations.

Would you launch a public inquiry of the Provincial Demonstrations School Branch, which has cost Ontario taxpayers $23 million in lawsuits over harm to children?

The allegations of abuse within the Provincial Demonstration Schools system are deeply troubling, and Ontarians deserve answers. I would commit to launching a public inquiry to investigate these claims, ensure accountability, and make the necessary changes to protect children in these institutions. No child should be harmed in the very system meant to support them.

Email: [email protected] 

Twitter: @mcpaigepeacock

At a time when vital public information is needed by everyone, The Pointer has taken down our paywall on all stories to ensure every resident of Brampton, Mississauga and Niagara has access to the facts. For those who are able, we encourage you to consider a subscription. This will help us report on important public interest issues the community needs to know about now more than ever. You can register for a 30-day free trial HERE. Thereafter, The Pointer will charge $10 a month and you can cancel any time right on the website. Thank you