Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner and Premier Doug Ford dropped the gloves Wednesday at the Ontario legislature.
The Premier accused Schreiner of being "all talk and no action" when it comes to addressing the housing crisis.
Schreiner's response was he doesn't support bad legislation, adding "that's just kind of how I roll over here."
It began during question period, when Schreiner asked the Premier about the need for legislation that promotes affordable housing.
That led to an exchange with Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark.
"Maybe the minister is saying that he will support my Bill 44 and Bill 45 that allows fourplexes and four-storey walk-up apartments, will allow six- to 11-storey midrise apartments," Schreiner said.
"Let’s get rid of that red tape and allow people to build homes and communities they want to live in instead of paving over the farmland that feeds us," Schreiner said.
"You talk a good game," was Clark's response, pointing to housing legislation Schreiner had voted against in the past.
Responded Schreiner: "I don’t vote for legislation that doesn’t work. That’s just kind of how I roll over here."
After the back-and-forth with Clark, the Premier jumped in, saying he was "excited" to respond to Schreiner.
That led to the following exchange:
Schreiner: It’s good the Premier’s excited because I’m excited for the answer. Will the government support Bill 45 to build homes instead of paving over the farmland that feeds us?
Ford: Thank you for the question from the member. I just want to give some stats. Stats Canada came out and February’s number is a 25 per cent increase in condo permits, the highest increase in the entire country, which is great.
Mr. Speaker, do you know what really irks me? I really like the leader of the Green Party, but let me tell you something. It’s a little rich when he gets up and he says housing, housing. As the Minister of Municipal Affairs says, “It’s all talk, no action.”
There’s 444 municipalities in this entire province. Guess who has the lowest housing starts? It’s his riding of Guelph. But this gets even better.
This even gets better, Mr. Speaker. The member didn’t stand up – and we have a housing crisis for students at the University of Guelph – on the University of Guelph’s property. Guess what? They voted it down. They won’t even give the kids – and he was in favour of it. That is terrible. He talks a good game ...."
The speaker then called for the next question.
