Monte McNaughton

On September 17, 2014, McNaughton announced his candidacy for the leadership of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario.[8] 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."[9] Ford added, "he will help the little guy and defend the taxpayer."[10]

McNaughton criticized the Liberal government for not consulting with parents when they implemented a new sex education curriculum.[11] 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."[12]

In the fall of 2018, McNaughton successfully introduced and passed legislation for 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.[13]

During the winter of 2019, Minister McNaughton announced that Ontario will provide $27 million towards the plant, which would convert natural gas into a liquid form, so it could be a safely and economically tucked 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.[14][15]

In the fall of 2018, McNaughton announced that in his role as the Minister of Infrastructure, he is supporting infrastructure investments to renovate and expand Canada’s oldest concert hall, a move that will boost Ontario’s tourism and culture sector. McNaughton and 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.[16]

In September 2015, McNaughton introduced legislation to reform the Estate Administration Tax, also known as the Death Tax. The Estate Administration Tax Fairness Act 2015 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.[17]

In February 2016, as the provincial debt surpassed $300 billion, McNaughton introduced a private member’s bill to the legislature which would implement a debt cap. The debt cap would stop the government of Ontario from taking on debt exceeding 45% of its GDP without the approval of the legislature.[18]

In June 2017, in response to concerns about undisclosed taxation, McNaughton introduced a private member’s bill which would mandate that the cost of the provincial Cap and Trade program be disclosed to consumers as a separate line item on natural gas bills. The bill passed second reading on September 21, 2017.[19]