Ted McMeekin defends his decision

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While many have applauded Ted McMeekin’s decision to step down from cabinet to help the Premier achieve a more balanced representation, some are also wondering how this will affect the city of Hamilton since McMeekin was the only voice for the area in a group where many key decisions are made.

A day after resigning from cabinet to help achieve gender parity, Hamilton MPP Ted McMeekin found himself denying allegations that he stepped down instead of being ousting by the premier. “I never had that sense, in fact I’ve only heard positive comments over the work that we’ve been doing and I wouldn’t expect anything other than that.” The 68-year old was also calming nerves that leaving cabinet doesn’t remove Hamilton’s presence in Queen’s park. Mayor Fred Eisenberger says losing a Hamilton-centric voice in cabinet will be a challenge but won’t be a fatal blow to dealing with the those local issues.

However, NDP leader and Hamilton MPP Andrea Horwath believes that having a local voice in cabinet is crucial for her community. While mayor Fred Eisenberger and Andrea Horvath both have different opinions as to what McMeekin’s resignation means for the city, McMaster political science Professor Peter Graefe believes it really won’t make a difference. “I don’t think Hamilton is making good use of that voice, say on the LRT file where the minister brings the community a billion dollars and city council says I’m not sure we want it.” Graefe also believes that bringing in a new voice, like Burlington MPP Eleanor Mcmahon, who’s rumoured to join the premier’s new cabinet, could be a refreshing change. Even though her riding is just outside Hamilton, Mayor Eisenberger thinks McMahon could bring balance if she is appointed a seat.
It’s rumoured that the Premier will shuffle the cabinet after the spring sitting ends this Thursday.