Hours after re-election, former PC speaker Ted Arnott pens letter urging Ford to 'get it done'

Just hours after handily winning the riding of Wellington-Halton Hills, Ted Arnott sent a four-page list of priorities to PC Leader Doug Ford and used the premier-designate's own election slogan to press him to "get it done."

The letter, obtained by CBC Kitchener-Waterloo, congratulated Ford on his win, but raised issues of health care, municipal funding, local transportation projects and senior housing.

Up until the legislature was dissolved in May, Arnott served as Speaker for the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. He was elected from the party caucus when the Ford government first formed in 2018.

Speakers are considered neutral and non-partisan. They are responsible for maintaining order in the legislature and presiding over debates. They are not allowed to vote on bills — except in the case of a tie — and cannot take part in debates.

Georgetown hospital, wastewater treatment, bypass

In his letter, Arnott mentioned Halton Healthcare's Georgetown Hospital, and asked for a $15 million planning grant so Halton Healthcare can move to the next stage of planning the hospital's redevelopment. 

"I hope the Ministry moves quickly to allow Halton Healthcare to move to Stage 2 of planning, and extend financial support for their project, consistent with how other projects like ours have been recognized. I would appreciate your assistance. Let's get it done," wrote Arnott. 

Arnott appealed for $20 million for the Town of Erin's wastewater treatment system, saying that the municipality is the largest in southern Ontario without one. 

"Currently all homes and businesses in Erin are services by septic systems or holding tanks," wrote Arnott. "As a result, the town has reached a limit in development and growth."

"Let's get it done."

Arnott also asked Ford to re-commit to the Highway 6 / Morriston Bypass, which he called "one of the busiest two-lane highways in the province."

"While progress has been made, we need your assistance to get the bypass built as soon as possible. Let's get it done."

CBC News has requested comment from Ford's office in response to Arnott's call to action, but not yet received a reply.

Arnott was easily elected in his riding Thursday night; winning by more than 17,000 votes. While he secured 51 per cent of the vote share, the next runner up — Diane Ballantyne, of the NDP — trailed far behind at just 16 per cent.