Janet Bedford
Justin Trudeau, John Oliver, Pam Damoff
All those who put themselves forward for election to represent us in Parliament are to be thanked for the generosity of their offering of their time and talent in the election yesterday. The calibre of the choices before us reflected well on the diverse qualities of our residents.
Collectively the nation has ushered out our old partner in Ottawa and brought in a new partner in the government led by Justin Trudeau with a Liberal Party majority. Extending thanks and congratulations to all the party leaders and members on their efforts on our behalf is my pleasure.
Particular congratulations should go to Oakville's John Oliver and Town Councillor Pam Damoff for their election as new Members of Parliament. Having worked with each of them for several years, it is a given to foresee them working with Council in a most positive and constructive manner to create a more prosperous Oakville for all.
Terence Young also deserves everyone's thanks for his years of service to Oakville as an MP and as an MPP.
Having had the opportunity since 2008 to work with now re-elected Milton MP Lisa Raitt, it is clear that we will continue to see constructive contributions to our community of Halton Region.
Canada's mayors united to put the municipal agenda at the centre of the agenda of the now-concluded Election 42. All of us are looking forward to working with our new partner in the federal government to make municipalities better for everyone.
The municipal agenda we look to make progress for you on includes:
- Economy: All leaders at all levels of government want our economy to be strong and growing with the highest possible employment and productivity.
- Infrastructure: Municipalities need long-term, sustainable, predictable and reliable federal funding that flows year in and year out to eliminate the infrastructure renewal deficit. This work will stimulate jobs and businesses.
- Social Housing: Investing in social housing will stimulate employment and economic growth.
- Climate change: Tackling climate change will create new economic activity by new and existing businesses and grow our economy while we protect our future.
In this election, Oakville, always a higher voter turnout community, raised its turnout to more than 73 per cent (from 69 per cent in 2011) even as national turnout rose to 68 per cent (from 60 per cent in 2011).
Please contact me here or at the Office of Mayor and Council to discuss municipal/federal concerns. It is always a pleasure to hear from you.