Aggregate review reset as McGuinty steps down

By Bill Tremblay
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Oct 16, 2012 - 12:36 PM

Review of the Aggregate Resources Act (ARA) will reset in the wake of Premier Dalton McGuintys resignation. On Monday (Oct 15), McGuinty announced he would resign as premier and prorogue provincial parliament until the Liberal Party is able to elect a new leader. Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones said prorogation equals the death of all committee work and all readings of bills. Basically, everything that didnt get royal assent, well have to start all over again, Jones said. It effectively drops everything that was happening legislatively. The Standing Committee on General Governments efforts to review the ARA is included in the lost progress. Weve had our public hearings, but we havent started writing a report. None of that can happen now, Jones said. Information collected during public meetings for the ARA review will still be relevant when MPPs return to work. We have the transcripts of it, Jones said. When prorogation ends, the ARA review may still be stalled if the new premier selects new ministers. It is very common for a cabinet shuffle, Jones said. There is no guarantee that the same Liberal members will end up on that review. Jones said there are numerous examples of the house continuing to work after a premiers resignation. Typically, an interim leader will be selected who has

publicly said they do not wish to seek permanent leadership. To have the premier resign and prorogue makes everyone very cynical, Jones said. What is frustrating is you cant move forward on things weve been working aggressively on. With scandals like ORNGE and the cost of cancelling power plants, Jones said she is suspicious of the timing of McGuintys resignation and decision to prorogue. Hes said he is going to stay on as premier until they elect a new Liberal leader. So whats the problem? Jones questioned. I guess I will be cynical and say the problem is he doesnt want the house to be sitting because were asking too many tough questions. Although critical of McGuintys decision to prorogue, Jones doesnt believe the premier should lose the power to make that decision. The Lieutenant-Governor also must approve the request. I dont think its as valuable to talk about; because hes abused the rule, that we have to change the rule, Jones said. Its more a matter of why did you feel your resignation automatically had to lead to prorogation.