NO strong chairs: give Ontarians their power back

November 13, 2026

QUEEN'S PARK — Ontario Greens deputy leaders Aislinn Clancy and Matt Richter released the following statement responding to the Ford government’s regional chair appointments.

“Doug Ford’s strong chairs are an anti-democratic attack on local decision making.

Our communities want to see their voices and values reflected in their local leadership—not squashed by friends of the Ford government.

These powers are designed to silence elected leaders and force urban boundary expansions onto municipalities, so that rich developers can cash in billions at our communities’ expense. 

They won’t get more homes built and won’t make life easier or more affordable for everyday Ontarians. 

Regional chairs should be elected by the communities they serve or selected by fellow councillors—not appointed by a minister from his office at Queen’s Park.

Greens are calling on this government to give the power back to Ontarians by reversing strong chair powers so communities can make their own decisions.” 

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