Northern York Region MPs, MPPs meet to discuss key issues
Yorkregion.com
Oct. 26, 2015
By Teresa Latchford
Political collaboration is already underway in northern York Region.
Only days after the wrap-up of the 2015 federal election, Newmarket-Aurora MPP Chris Ballard invited Oak Ridges-Markham MPP Helena Jaczek and newly elected Newmarket-Aurora MP Kyle Peterson and Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill MP Leona Alleslev to an inaugural meeting of the Northern York Region Liberal Caucus.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss not only the need for collaboration on both levels of government, but also the issues that are most important to constituents in the various ridings.
“In this case, actions speak louder than words and here we are sitting down and discussing how to get things done within a week of the election,” Alleslev said.
Ballard called it a fruitful discussion about a number of issues including transit funding, affordable housing, poverty reduction, youth homelessness and employment, retirement security, health care and environmental protection.
“At times we aren’t going to agree on everything, but we will always be able to talk,” Jaczek said. “It makes sense for our offices to work together and the lines of communication are open.”
The group also strayed off the agenda to discuss opportunities to hold special events together such as skating parties or participating in the Santa Claus parades.
“It is nice to lay a foundation so we can work together on short and long-term goals,” Peterson said.
The group is not yet complete and invitations have been extended to King-Vaughan MP elect Deb Schulte and Markham-Stouffville MP-elect Jane Philpott.