Joel Harden MPP / Député, Ottawa Centre

Government of Ontario

Weekly Email Update

MPP Update 142: On January 26th, Ottawa and Toronto unite for better transit!

It’s been a rough week for public transit, and people are at their wit’s end. I’m hearing from folks whose commutes have doubled or tripled in length. Transit workers are also frustrated with fundi... More

MPP Update 141: Remembering Christine Collins

Weeks before the recent holidays, we lost Christine Collins: a leader in the federal public service, and a tireless troublemaker for justice. I was honoured to call her my friend. A celebration of ... More

MPP Update 140: This holiday season, let's resolve to improve our politics

I hope the days to come bring you light, joy, and peace. Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and Merry Christmas to all those who are celebrating. The cold storm outside won’t deter the warmth in our he... More

MPP Update 139: Tell Claridge Homes that goodwill makes good neighbours

What makes a good neighbour? That was on my mind this week as I was working with parents, kids and staff at Devonshire Public School in Hintonburg. As you likely heard, a Claridge Homes constructio... More

MPP Update 138: Ottawa's LRT mess spreads to Toronto

Ottawa’s LRT mess has spread to Toronto, like a virus leaping to a new host. The same players who gave us Stage 1 of Ottawa’s LRT system were also put in charge of Toronto’s Eglinton Crosstown, a 2... More

MPP Update 137: For Ottawa's LRT, sunlight is the best disinfectant

At 11 am two days ago, a loud thud was heard across Ontario. The final report of the Ottawa Light Rail Transit Public Commission dropped, and it hit the table hard.  The massive 664 page document d... More

MPP Update 135: With Bill 23, it's not what you know...

It’s been quite the week at the Ontario Legislature.  I’m writing you this note on a break from the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure, and Cultural Policy. I’ve been serving here this ... More

MPP Update #134: What shall we remember?

“Take off your poppies! You don’t deserve to wear them!”  These were the words shouted across the aisle last week by MPP Jennie Stevens, the Official Opposition Critic for Veterans, Legions, and Mi... More

MPP Update 133: An unprecedented law, an unprecedented response

I spent today visiting picket lines across Ottawa. At each one I saw the same thing: honks of support from passers-by, and defiance from people who won’t be bullied any longer. Bill G28 is an unpre... More

MPP Update 132: The rights of education workers, and all workers across Ontario, are under attack

I’m writing you these words from my seat in the Legislature. I’m at the Third Reading debate on Bill 28, the most anti-worker legislation I’ve seen in decades.  As you likely know, CUPE-OSBCU educa... More