Category / 1985 / Governing / Political environment
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Advice to David Peterson on becoming Liberal Leader – February 21, 1982
The memo given to David Peterson on the things he needed to do in the weeks after becoming Liberal leader and Leader of the Official Opposition in the Ontario Legislature.
June 8, 2026 -
A World-Class Education System
The Peterson Liberals entered office with an ambitious agenda to prepare the province and its people for the 21st century. At the heart of that agenda was setting up young people for…
May 20, 2026 -
Paving the Road to Long-Term Care Reform in Ontario: A Retrospective (Part 1)
A Canadian first: the appointment of a minister for seniors Premier David Peterson’s inaugural cabinet marked a watershed moment in Canadian social policy. By appointing the Honourable Ron Van Horne (MPP, London…
May 20, 2026 -
Expanding Child Care for Families
The needs of families changed significantly by the 1980s. Rising divorce rates, more women entering the workforce, and many families relying on two incomes all put pressure on existing child care options.…
May 6, 2026 -
The business of government is the public’s business
The Ford government’s announcement on the Friday afternoon before the March Break that it intends to introduce legislation which will exclude the records of the premier, cabinet ministers, parliamentary assistants and their…
May 5, 2026 -
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Reshaping the Government of Ontario’s Relationship with Indigenous Peoples
When the Peterson Liberals formed government in 1985, they inherited a changing Crown-Indigenous relationship. The repatriation of Canada’s constitution in 1982 included new language recognizing the rights of Indigenous peoples, and with…
March 20, 2026 -
Reflection on David Peterson’s leadership
“Surprise happens so often,” Paul Wolfowitz, former US Deputy Secretary of Defense once said, “that it’s surprising we’re still surprised by it.” The unexpected is the nature of the political beast.…
March 20, 2026 -
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Bob Wong – the first Chinese Canadian MPP – April 27, 1941-December 16, 2025
Robert (“Bob”) Charles Wong passed away peacefully on December 16, 2025. He is survived by his devoted wife, Dr. Alice Dong, who was at his bedside when he passed and…
December 24, 2025
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Recent Posts
- Summary of reports from the Ontario Premier’s Councils 1987-1995 (Part Two)
- Advice to David Peterson on becoming Liberal Leader – February 21, 1982
- A World-Class Education System
- Paving the Road to Long-Term Care Reform in Ontario: A Retrospective (Part 1)
- Paving the Road to Long-Term Care Reform in Ontario: A Retrospective (Part 2)