MP Tim Hodgson pledges pragmatic leadership

Markham–Thornhill’s new Member of Parliament, Tim Hodgson, was appointed as the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources back in May as part of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet. Commemorating his appointment, Hodgson gave his first speech at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, framing the future of Canadian energy and natural resources as a “superpower.” 

Hodgson’s ambitious plan demands a large commitment to the country, paying specific attention to energy and natural resource-based communities predominantly residing in the West of Canada. With this responsibility, what can residents expect from their federal representative? 

A pragmatic approach. 

“I am a pragmatist: I believe in listening before acting, and in building coalitions to get things done,” Hodgson wrote in an email interview with Markham Review. 

As part of his listening, he recounted the significant concerns of local residents to be community safety, transit and infrastructure, and supporting local businesses. 

With a stronger focus on community safety, Hodgson wrote that he will work with municipal and provincial levels of government, community organizations, and local police to support law enforcement and local prevention initiatives. He made specific mention of supporting the bubble zone legislation, which has been rather controversial.

Currently, only implemented at the municipal level, the bubble zone creates a protected area prohibiting protests around certain places of social infrastructure. Some municipalities that adopted the bylaw include the City of Vaughan, the first Ontario municipality to pass the bylaw—now a year into effect— and the City of Toronto, which adopted the bylaw last month. The bubble zone in Vaughan prohibits “nuisance” demonstrations within a 100-metre radius around “vulnerable social infrastructure.” In Toronto, it’s a 50-metre radius prohibiting protests around places of worship, childcare centres, and schools. 

Prior to the City of Toronto passing the bylaw, organizations such as the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) advised against its adoption, citing that it “represents a significant risk to peaceful expression and assembly,” and unnecessary “in light of the already-existing police powers.” In addition to the CCLA, 67 other community groups advocated for the same reconsideration.  

Aside from community safety, Hodgson also mentioned his support for the Yonge North Subway Extension, an extension of the TTC’s Line 1 from Finch Station into Richmond Hill, passing through the Langstaff GO Station. 

“Communities are happier and healthier when we have access to affordable and efficient public transit,” he added. 

Though Hodgson is a rookie MP, he does have a long history of involvement in energy and financial institutions, assuming the role as chair on various boards in many corporations. 

Photo: Tim Hodgson was appointed as the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources in May.

*Story submitted by Dina Dong.