Category / Elections / Governing / Indigenous Affairs / Justice / Legacy
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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 -
Part One: 1988 Report of the Task Force on Illegal Drug Use in Ontario
In May, 1988, 15-year-old Benji Hayward attended a rock concert in downtown Toronto. While there, he took two LSD “blotters” and a cannabis joint. Throughout the concert, Benji reportedly became hyper and…
February 25, 2026 -
Part Two: From Task Force to Action: Executing Ontario’s Anti‑Drug Strategy
Ontario’s anti‑drug strategy emerged during a moment of intense public concern and political pressure. In the late 1980s, as noted in the previous article by Peggy Sweeney, the province was shaken by…
February 23, 2026 -
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Ontario motorists covered by no-fault insurance
One of the more contentious issues in the 1987 election was the rising cost of automobile insurance. Toward the end of the campaign, the Premier mentioned that he had a plan to…
January 28, 2026 -
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 -
Bernard Grandmaitre – June 24, 1933 – October 28, 2025
Bernard Grandmaitre died on October 28, 2025 at the age of 92. Elected in a by-election in Ottawa East on December 13, 1984, and appointed Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister…
December 24, 2025 -
The fight for democracy – Ali Velshi and his father Murad running for the Peterson Liberals
We are posting a wonderful testament Ali Velshi delivered on MSNBC last month to his father, Murad, and for democracy. As many will remember Murad served with distinction as a Liberal MPP…
December 21, 2025 -
Sean Conway on Separate School education in Ontario
Sean Conway served as Minister of Education in the first Peterson government (1985-87), given the task of extending public funding beyond grade 10 to the end of grade 13 to…
December 11, 2025
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Recent Posts
- Social Assistance Review Committee News – June 1987
- Reshaping the Government of Ontario’s Relationship with Indigenous Peoples
- Reflection on David Peterson’s leadership
- Part One: 1988 Report of the Task Force on Illegal Drug Use in Ontario
- Part Two: From Task Force to Action: Executing Ontario’s Anti‑Drug Strategy