Wikipedia

Monte McNaughton

Monte Gary McNaughton (born March 11, 1977) is a former Canadian politician who served as the minister of labour, immigration, training and skills development in Ontario from June 20, 2019 to September 22, 2023. A Progressive Conservative (PC), McNaughton sat as a member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) and represented the riding Lambton—Kent—Middlesex in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario since the 2011 provincial election. McNaughton first joined the provincial Cabinet in 2018 as the minister of infrastructure.[1]

Monte McNaughton
McNaughton in 2021
Ontario Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
In office
June 20, 2019 – October 6, 2023
PremierDoug Ford
Preceded byLaurie Scott
Succeeded byDavid Piccini
Ontario Minister of Infrastructure
In office
June 29, 2018 – June 20, 2019
PremierDoug Ford
Preceded byBob Chiarelli
Succeeded byLaurie Scott
Member of the Ontario Provincial Parliament
for Lambton—Kent—Middlesex
In office
October 6, 2011 – October 6, 2023
Preceded byMaria Van Bommel
Succeeded bySteve Pinsonneault
Personal details
Born (1977-03-11) March 11, 1977 (age 47)
Newbury, Ontario, Canada
Political partyProgressive Conservative
SpouseKate
Children1
ResidenceMount Brydges, Ontario
EducationWestervelt College
Ivey Business School
OccupationPolitician

Background

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McNaughton was born in Newbury, Ontario, where his family owned and operated a local shopping centre.[2]

McNaughton was inspired to pursue public service at a young age by his grandfather, Jack McNaughton, who successfully advocated for the construction of a local hospital.[3]

He graduated from Westervelt College and completed executive programs at the Ivey Business School at Western University. From 2009 to 2010, he served as the president of the local chamber of commerce in Strathroy.[4]

McNaughton and his wife Kate have a daughter and live in Mt. Brydges.[citation needed]

Political career (1997 – 2023)

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Monte McNaughton began his career in Newbury, Ontario at the age of twenty, as a town councillor. He was elected to that office three times, then running for the legislative assembly In the 2007 provincial election where he was the PC candidate in Lambton—Kent—Middlesex, ultimately losing to the incumbent, Maria Van Bommel of the Ontario Liberal Party.[5] He ran again in the 2011 election, this time winning.[6][7] He was re-elected in the 2014 election,[8] and again in the 2018 election where his Progressive Conservatives formed government and he was named to newly-elected Premier Doug Ford's Cabinet.

In Opposition (2007 – 2018)

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PC leadership campaign (2014 – 2015)

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On September 17, 2014, McNaughton announced his candidacy for the leadership of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario.[9] During his campaign McNaughton received endorsements from Rob Ford, former mayor of Toronto, who called McNaughton a "family man" and "the conservative in the PC leadership race."[10] Ford added, "he will help the little guy and defend the taxpayer."[11]

McNaughton criticized the Liberal government for not consulting with parents when they implemented a new sex education curriculum.[12] He also supported a move to private liquor sales and opposed the LCBO retail model. He said, "If we were to build Ontario again, we wouldn’t be building the same communist-style liquor system that we have here in the province."[13]

Estate Administration Tax

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In September 2015, McNaughton proposed legislation to reform the estate administration tax, also known as the death tax. The proposal would exempt low-income earners and charitable donations from the tax, as well as eliminating the related audit and verification authority the Ministry of Finance had recently taken on.[14]

Debt Cap

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In February 2016, McNaughton proposed a private member’s bill that would implement a debt cap. The debt cap would stop the government from taking on debt exceeding 45 per cent of the province's gross domestic product (GDP) without the approval of the Legislature.[15]

Transparency in Energy Pricing

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In June 2017, in response to concerns about undisclosed taxation, McNaughton proposed a private member’s bill which would mandate that the cost of the province's cap and trade program be disclosed to consumers as a separate line item on natural gas bills.[16]

Minister of Infrastructure (2018 – 2019)

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Massey Hall

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In the fall of 2018, McNaughton announced that the province would support infrastructure investments to renovate and expand Massey Hall, Canada’s oldest concert hall. McNaughton and tourism minister Michael Tibollo announced a full restoration of the exterior and interior of the building, including 100 original stained-glass windows. As well, a new seven-storey tower addition will feature a live-music stage and performance studio. The second phase of the revitalization has a budget of up to $113 million.[17] The renovations were completed in 2021.

Natural Gas

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In the fall of 2018, McNaughton introduced Bill 32, the Access to Natural Gas Act. The legislation makes it possible to expand access to natural gas to more parts of rural and northern Ontario, as well as First Nations communities.[18]

During the winter of 2019, McNaughton announced that Ontario will provide $27 million towards the Nipigon Natural Gas plant, which would convert natural gas into a liquid form, so it could be safely and economically trucked to customers. It would replace costlier fuel sources to more than 550 businesses and 5,000 homes – saving residents an estimated $181.3 million and businesses $65.3 million on energy bills over 40 years. The project will create between 700 and 2,800 jobs in the region.[19][20]

Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (2019 – 2023)

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Premier Ford named McNaughton as the minister of labour on June 20, 2019.[21] On October 21, 2019, the training and skills development role was transferred to McNaughton's portfolio from the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. McNaughton's new title became Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development.[22]

Labour shortage

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The province faced a labour shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic. McNaughton sought to address the issue by increasing the number of people immigrating to Ontario, calling on the federal government to double the number of immigrants allowed in the province under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program from 9,000 to 18,000 a year.[23]

Minimum wage

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In October 2021, the provincial general minimum wage increased ten cents to $14.35 per hour, and the student and server minimum increased to $13.50 and $12.55 respectively. Amid rising inflation and cost of living, critics dismissed the ten cent increase as being so little, that it was meaningless. Deena Ladd, executive director of the Workers Action Centre pointed out "It's basically an adjustment to deal with inflation," and that "We have a minimum wage that is keeping people at poverty levels."[24]

In response, McNaughton said that he did not want to "create an economy of minimum wage jobs", touting the need to get "people to get the training for in-demand jobs that are going to pay more so they can provide for their families".[24]

The minimum wage was originally set to increase to $15 in 2019, however, the increase was cancelled by the PC government when they took office.[25] Following continued criticism, McNaughton and Premier Ford announced on November 1 that the minimum wage would increase to $15 an hour in 2021. Ford acknowledged that "wages haven't kept up with the increasing cost of living, making it harder than ever to make ends meet".[25]

Unifor president Jerry Dias, who was at the announcement welcomed the news, however, noted that the wage increase was still below a living wage, stating "I think we have to have a living wage. In order to get to a $22 living wage in Toronto, you are going to have to go through $15" further noting that "A living wage in London, Ont. is about $16.20. So do I think $15 is wonderful? The answer is ‘no.’ But do I think it is a good start? The answer is ‘yes’ as we continue to push and fight for a living wage."[25] Opposition leader Andrea Horwath reacted by saying that the increase should be closer to $17 to $17.50 an hour to make up for the “$5,300 that Doug Ford stole” from minimum wage workers when his government cancelled the initial increase to $15 that was scheduled for 2019.[25]

Working For Workers Act

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McNaughton proposed legislation that was passed on November 30, 2021, which would ban non-compete clauses in employment contracts, and require employers with more than 24 employees to have a written policy about employees' rights when it comes to disconnecting from their job at the end of the day. Policies could include expectations about response time for emails. Ontario is the first jurisdiction in Canada to ban non-compete clauses.[26]

Tim Hortons hiring issues

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In December 2021, McNaughton shared his thoughts on difficulties faced by some Tim Hortons franchises in hiring staff. He called on employers, including Tim Hortons to step up and pay workers more. He noted that "businesses that are paying workers well, that are providing benefits and in some cases pensions, those businesses are going to have a competitive advantage".[27]

Resignation

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On October 6, 2023, McNaughton resigned in order to accept a job in the private sector at Woodbine Entertainment Group as executive vice-president of industry relations and people experience.[28][29] The provincial by-election to replace him is scheduled for May 2, 2024.[30]

Electoral record

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2022 Ontario general election: Lambton—Kent—Middlesex
Party Candidate Votes % ±% Expenditures
Progressive Conservative Monte McNaughton 24,933 58.81 +3.46 $86,631
New Democratic Vanessa Benoit 7,987 18.84 −14.48 $66,308
Liberal Bruce Baker 4,063 9.58 +3.35 $0
New Blue David Barnwell 2,701 6.37   $3,090
Green Wanda Dickey 1,688 3.98 +0.69 $381
Ontario Party Aaron Istvan Vegh 727 1.71   $0
None of the Above Dean Eve 300 0.71   $283
Total valid votes/Expense limit 42,399 99.41 +0.63 $126,309
Total rejected, unmarked, and declined ballots 253 0.59 -0.63
Turnout 42,652 47.28 −13.50
Eligible voters 90,109
Progressive Conservative hold Swing +8.97
Source(s)
"Summary of Valid Votes Cast for Each Candidate" (PDF). Elections Ontario. Archived from the original on 2023-05-18.
"Statistical Summary by Electoral District" (PDF). Elections Ontario. Archived from the original on 2023-05-21.
2018 Ontario general election: Lambton—Kent—Middlesex
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Progressive Conservative Monte McNaughton 27,906 55.34 +10.17
New Democratic Todd Case 16,800 33.32 +6.80
Liberal Mike Radan 3,143 6.23 -14.05
Green Anthony Li 1,660 3.29 -1.30
Trillium Brian Everaert 555 1.10
Libertarian Brad Greulich 360 0.71 +0.26
Total valid votes 50,424 100.0  
Progressive Conservative hold Swing
Source: Elections Ontario[31]
2014 Ontario general election: Lambton—Kent—Middlesex
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Progressive Conservative Monte McNaughton 20,609 45.06 -0.67
New Democratic Joe Hill 12,157 26.58 +5.62
Liberal Mike Radan 9,297 20.33 -8.99
Green James Armstrong 2,104 4.60 +2.27
Family Coalition Marinus Vander Vloet 560 1.22 +0.39
None of the Above Bob Lewis 522 1.21
Freedom Tom Jackson 242 0.53 +0.25
Libertarian Matt Willson 213 0.47
Total valid votes 45,733 100.00
2011 Ontario general election: Lambton—Kent—Middlesex
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Progressive Conservative Monte McNaughton 19,379 45.73 +9.41
Liberal Maria Van Bommel 12,423 29.32 -13.91
New Democratic Joe Hill 8,882 20.96 +10.21
Green James Armstrong 987 2.33 -5.57
Family Coalition Marinus Vander Vloet 350 0.83 -0.47
Reform Brad Harness 232 0.55 +0.06
Freedom Tom Jackson 119 0.28
Total valid votes 42,372 100.00
2007 Ontario general election: Lambton—Kent—Middlesex
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Maria Van Bommel 18,191 43.23 -1.88
Progressive Conservative Monte McNaughton 15,281 36.32 -0.34
New Democratic Joyce Jolliffe 4,522 10.75 -0.26
Green James Armstrong 3,326 7.90 +5.14
Family Coalition Bill McMaster 547 1.30
Reform Brad Harness 208 0.49
Total valid votes 42,075 100.00

References

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  1. ^ "Doug Ford top minister quits politics, cabinet shuffle expected in the coming days". Toronto Star. 2023-09-22. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  2. ^ "McNaughton's History". McNaughtons Automotive Ltd. 2013.
  3. ^ "Monte McNaughton, PC candidate L-K-M". Chatham Voice. 2018-05-31. Retrieved 2019-04-13.
  4. ^ "Monte McNaughton | MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex". Retrieved 2019-04-13.
  5. ^ "Summary of Valid Ballots Cast for Each Candidate" (PDF). Elections Ontario. October 10, 2007. p. 7 (xvi). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 7, 2009. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
  6. ^ "Summary of Valid Ballots Cast for Each Candidate" (PDF). Elections Ontario. October 6, 2011. p. 8. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 30, 2013. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
  7. ^ "McNaughton pushed local control". London Free Press. October 7, 2011.
  8. ^ "General Election by District: Lambton-Kent-Middlesex". Elections Ontario. June 12, 2014. Archived from the original on September 23, 2014. Retrieved August 24, 2014.
  9. ^ "Monte McNaughton launches bid for Ontario PC leadership". The Globe and Mail. September 17, 2014. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
  10. ^ "Rob Ford endorses Monte McNaughton as Progressive Conservative leader | The Star". thestar.com. Retrieved 2018-09-13.
  11. ^ "Rob Ford endorses Monte McNaughton as Progressive Conservative leader | The Star". thestar.com. Retrieved 2018-09-14.
  12. ^ "Sex-ed survey for parents lacks curriculum details: PCS".
  13. ^ Morrow, Adrian (October 18, 2014). "Wynne 'absolutely willing' to act on asset panel's recommendations". The Globe and Mail.
  14. ^ "Ontario's estate tax highest in Canada: Roseman | The Star". thestar.com. Retrieved 2018-09-14.
  15. ^ "Reevely: Ontario Tories' debt-cap bill is only for show". Ottawa Citizen. 2016-03-01. Retrieved 2018-09-14.
  16. ^ "Bill to reveal costs of cap and trade passes second reading". St Thomas Times Journal. 2017-09-26. Retrieved 2018-09-14.
  17. ^ "Ford government to invest $30M in Massey Hall renovation". toronto.citynews.ca. Retrieved 2019-04-13.
  18. ^ "Affordable Heating on the Way: Ontario Passes Legislation to Expand Access to Natural Gas". news.ontario.ca. Retrieved 2019-04-13.
  19. ^ "Province Bringing Jobs and Affordable Heating to Northern Ontario". news.ontario.ca. Retrieved 2019-04-13.
  20. ^ "'Big win' for northern Ontario says infrastructure minister of LNG plant for Nipigon". CBC. January 25, 2019. Retrieved April 13, 2019.
  21. ^ "Major Ontario cabinet shuffle, McNaughton new labour minister". BlackburnNews.com. 2019-06-20. Retrieved 2021-12-04.
  22. ^ "Premier Doug Ford changes responsibilities of three cabinet ministers". Toronto. 2019-10-21. Retrieved 2021-12-04.
  23. ^ Alhmidi, Maan (2021-11-04). "Ontario seeking to double skilled immigrants to address labour shortage". CP24. Retrieved 2021-12-04.
  24. ^ a b Crawley, Mike (October 1, 2021). "Ontario's 10-cent increase in minimum wage called 'insult' to workers". CBC News.
  25. ^ a b c d "Ontario minimum wage will increase to $15 per hour in January". CTV Toronto. 2021-11-01. Retrieved 2021-12-04.
  26. ^ Davidson, Sean (2021-11-30). "Ontario passes new rules that will change work-life balance for employees". CTV Toronto. Retrieved 2021-12-04.
  27. ^ Durrani, Temur (2021-12-03). "'You need to pay them well': Ontario Labour Minister on Tim Hortons 'hiring crisis'". BNN Bloomberg. Retrieved 2021-12-04.
  28. ^ "Ontario Labour Minister Monte McNaughton quits government, triggering cabinet shuffle". Global News. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  29. ^ https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.6998809
  30. ^ "Provincial By-elections Called in Milton and Lambton-Kent-Middlesex". news.ontario.ca. April 3, 2024. Retrieved 2024-04-04.
  31. ^ "Summary of Valid Votes Cast for each Candidate" (PDF). Elections Ontario. p. 5. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 December 2018. Retrieved 16 January 2019.
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