Statement by MPP Andrew Dowie on Ojibway National Urban Park

“It’s time to get things done for our community” 

NEWS	October 26, 2022

Windsor ― “It was quite disappointing to hear the comments made today by Windsor West MPP Lisa Gretzky to AM800 CKLW, regarding her Motion 1 for the Ojibway National Urban Park. 

MPP Gretzky told the Windsor Star after the election that she sought “to keep those lines of communication open” with me. 

Yet, MPP Gretzky tabled Motion 1 in the House on August 17^th, 2022, without making an effort to consult the Ontario Government, the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, nor any members of the government caucus for prospective support.  Once tabled on the 17^th, her motion could not be amended, and had to be voted on as-is. 

MPP Gretzky reached out to me for the first time on August 29^th, 2022, and followed up with a written letter delivered by e-mail on Saturday, September 3^rd, 2022.  In my due diligence of reviewing the motion, I learned that the Ministry had concerns for specific wording in her motion but is otherwise supportive of seeing the Ojibway Prairie Nature Reserve initiative through. 

MPP Gretzky’s decision not to consult with the Ontario Government, the major stakeholder affected by Motion 1, before its tabling was unfortunate because unanimous consent for an amended version of the motion was achievable.   

MPP Gretzky was made aware of my decision to respond with a new motion, Motion 15, in a letter sent to her on September 8^th, 2002, and there should be no ambiguity as to the reasons for this response and for my vote. 

Happily, Motion 15 can be expected to pass with the support of the 83 members of the government caucus.  They were given the opportunity to provide their feedback on the motion’s wording.  This opportunity for consultation and collaboration was not provided for with Motion 1. 

The people of Windsor—Tecumseh responded clearly on June 2^nd that they are tired of partisan games and want things to get done for our community.  Motion 15 does just that and I’m grateful to have MPP Gretzky’s support for it.  It is my sincere hope that MPP Gretzky and I will be able to collaborate on future initiatives together for the betterment of our region, and that our respective experience with Motion 1 not be repeated.” 

BACKGROUND 

• Gretzky focused on affordability, health care for term ahead. Windsor Star, Jun 9, 2022 

“My hope is that the two newly elected Conservative members in Windsor-Tecumseh and Essex will continue to build on the work that Percy (Hatfield), Taras (Natyshak) and I did together … to keep those lines of communication open and to really be willing to listen to the concerns I’m raising on behalf of my constituents in Windsor West,” Gretzky said.”   

• Letter to MPP Gretzky on Andrew Dowie’s motion for the Ojibway National Urban Park Sep 8, 2022 
• MPP Dowie Table Motion in Support of Ojibway Urban Park Sep 8, 2022 
• Interview with CKLW – Patty Handysides Sep 9, 2022 

MEDIA CONTACT 

Paul Synnott 

Executive Assistant Andrew Dowie, MPP 

Windsor-Tecumseh 

Ph: 519-251-0437 Cell: 226-724-6978 

Email: paul.synnott@pc.ola.org