Rob Flack

So before we wrap up, there's one more development you need to know about.

On April 2nd, 2026 this year, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack introduced Bill 100, the Better Regional Governance Act 2026.

It's already law.

It received royal assent May 7th, so it's on the books.

According to the minister's letter, Ontario municipalities spend more than $22 billion each year procuring goods and services.

And he says to them, Minister Rob Flack says, that that money should be spent in Ontario.

Obviously, a lot of overtures around why the province is doing this, why they expect their municipal partners to do this, and tying it all directly to the challenges we face with tariffs and the American president.

The part that is interesting to me, because this is a debate we've had at different levels of government throughout the last 18 months since Donald Trump took office, the part that's interesting to me is this.

Disaster relief from the Ontario government continues to be sought for St. Catharines residents and the municipality after widespread flood damage first experienced a month ago.

City Councilors unanimously passed a motion Monday night calling on Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack to activate the province's Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance Program to help the city with flood-related costs.

The motion was procedural.

As city officials say, they've been asking the province for help since the first flood on July 27th.