'Very energetic time' expected as Ontario MPPs return to Queen's Park next week, Speaker says

Bring different political parties together in one room — or legislature — and it should not be a surprise when they have contrasting opinions.

But Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott says his colleagues need to "find ways to compromise, come together and co-operate" to focus on the provincial work that needs to be done.

"Most members, they'll come to the legislature with the same goal and aspiration, which is to help to build better communities," Arnott said ahead of MPPs returning to Queen's Park on Monday.

"I'm expecting it's going to be a very energetic time in the legislature, let's put it that way. But I think it's important that we discuss and debate our ideas in a professional manner and to the greatest extent possible listen to each other and try to move forward together."

Arnott is the longest-sitting current MPP, also serves as Speaker of the Ontario Legislature. He spoke with Craig Norris, host of CBC Kitchener-Waterloo's The Morning Edition, as part of a summer series of check-ins with local MPPs.

Arnott has served as Speaker since 2018. He was re-elected to the role by MPPs after the provincial election in 2022 and was nominated for the role by Waterloo MPP Catherine Fife, who is a member of the NDP.

He won the vote, beating out fellow Progressive Conservative MPP Nina Tangri. 

Arnott says he holds Fife in high regard for the work she does on behalf of her constituents and says it is possible for MPPs from different parties to work together.

"I think there is a great deal of respect across party lines for individual members as they get to know each other better as human beings," Arnott said.

"I've always felt that people in other political parties may have a different perspective, different ideas, but that's not to diminish their ideas, it's just healthy democratic debate that needs to take place. But we should respect each other. We should respect the fact that each of us are elected by our respective constituencies and that we all have a job."

As Speaker, Arnott does not take part in debates, but he says that doesn't stop his advocacy work on behalf of his riding. He says the top issues he's hearing from people in Wellington-Halton Hills is the new hospital that's needed in Georgetown and the need for a bypass in Morriston, south of Guelph.

He said there are also a number of infrastructure projects that require provincial support funding, including a wastewater treatment project in Erin.

LISTEN | Hear the full interview with Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott: