By Emily Stonehouse
We’ve all heard the saying “don’t bite the hand that feeds you”.
The colloquial phrase alludes to the fact that we should be grateful for what we are doled out; appreciative for what’s being handed to us.
Even if that hand occasionally slaps you across the face.
The gesture to offer Ontarians money in light of the major storm that swept the province this time last year is a kind offering. In times of need and ever-increasing prices, a little extra cash can go a long way.
But I can’t help but question the logic around it.
When MPP Laurie Scott’s team announced the funding last week, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack took the spotlight. “Our government will always protect Ontario, especially in times of need,” he said.
He noted that the financial contributions will make our communities “stronger than ever.”
But the Conservative government handing us cash a full year after an event – an event caused by climate change, no less – is like fanning the flames once they’ve taken hold, instead of testing out the smoke detectors.
Reactive versus proactive.
A proactive approach to mitigating climate change would be to protect endangered species, to prioritize significant wetlands during developmental stages, and to provide appropriate funding for organizations to advocate for environmental needs.
Just a few days ago, the Ford government announced that there would be a 75 per cent reduction in the number of conservation authorities, amalgamating the 36 existing organizations down to nine.
This will have a significant impact on wetlands, on floodplains, on drinking water, to name a few.
It’s no secret that Premier Ford does not make decisions with the environment on the forefront. He’s never been known for that, and save the turtles doesn’t have the same jaunty jingle as buck-a-beer, but as the people of Ontario, the ones who get slammed with the waters run and the flames take hold, we need to follow the money.
We’re in a stage where finances are so tight, that a little reactive hand-out is all it takes to blind us from the big picture; a distraction from what happens behind the curtain. And yes, Ford is the one responsible in that middle playground, but our elected officials at a local level have a direct line.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: keep the big picture in mind when it’s election time. While the priorities and obligations vary between each level of government, they’re all tied and tethered together, and all elected with one purpose: to care about our communities.
So as these hands continue to dole out bits and pieces that keep us afloat while fanning the flames, maybe it’s time to take a few steps back, and test out the smoke detector.
