Cambridge MPP removed from PC caucus after voting against Bill 195

The Ford government has kicked Cambridge MPP Belinda Karahalios out of the Progressive Conservative caucus after she voted against Bill 195, calling it “an unnecessary overreach of our parliamentary democracy.”

The premier’s office confirmed the news in a statement, saying she would no longer be a sitting member of the PC caucus.

“Our government’s first priority is the health and safety of all Ontarians, and Bill 195 is an important piece of legislation that protects each and every citizen during the pandemic,” read the statement.

Karahalios was the only Tory to break ranks on the vote.

Shortly after the vote, she released a statement saying, “by transferring away the ability for Ontario MPPs to consider, debate and vote on how emergency powers are used on Ontarians, Bill 195 essentially silences every single Ontario MPP on the most important issue facing our legislature today.”

This is her first term as a Member of Provincial Parliament.

Bill 195 will allow the provincial government to extend or amend some emergency orders a month at a time, for up to two years.

The government can now move parts of the province back to earlier stages of the pandemic lockdown if required. It could also continue the redeployment of health-care staff and change public health orders limiting social gatherings.

The bill has prompted criticism from groups on both sides of the political spectrum as a violation of charter rights.