Happy New Year!
A massive bombshell was dropped yesterday when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his intention to resign as Prime Minister and Liberal Party leader. Much will be said about Trudeau’s leadership, and with the prorogation of parliament, a new leadership race will determine how the Liberals will attempt to rebrand from Trudeau in a short period of time before the inevitable early election.
This unexpected announcement gives us pause to reflect—particularly here at the Brampton Board of Trade—on the work still ahead for our city. Brampton’s infrastructure needs and priorities remain urgent, and we hope any future federal government will continue to recognize and act on their importance. At the same time, there’s an undercurrent of concern about the possible rollback of essential affordability measures, such as dental care and the Canada Child Benefit, and not to mention all of the stalled legislation that may disappear with prorogation. And, of course, this political shakeup raises questions about its ripple effects, including the possibility of an early provincial election.
In the midst of this uncertainty, the turning of the calendar invites personal and professional reflection. As hackneyed as they may be, I find myself drawn to new year’s resolutions. Every year, I complete a 60+ page workbook reflecting on the past year and setting intentions for the new one. Among those exercises this year, I wrote a wish list for 2025 envisioning the milestones and successes I hope to celebrate by January 2026. The idea is to revisit these aspirations by next year to see how much has been achieved and how much has evolved.
Here is a slice of what I’ve written:
Advancing the Downtown Brampton LRT Extension
In 2025, I hope to see significant progress toward securing full funding for the $2.8 billion Downtown Brampton LRT tunnel extension. Breaking ground on this decade-long dream would be a pivotal step in shaping Brampton’s future as a transit-connected city. I look forward to rallying stakeholders to ensure this vital project becomes a reality.
Removing the Special Policy Area (SPA) Designation
This year, I aim to advocate for the lifting of the restrictive SPA designation in downtown Brampton. This change is critical to unlocking the potential for housing and transit-oriented development. My hope is to see the start of meaningful redevelopment, with cranes in the sky symbolizing a revitalized downtown core.
Expanding the Kitchener GO Line
In 2025, I aspire to see substantial headway on two-way, all-day service along the Kitchener GO Line. Resolving freight-sharing challenges with CN and advancing the construction of a fourth track would mark real progress. Partnering with the cities of Kitchener and Guelph, as well as other chambers of commerce, remains a top priority to ensure we are united in achieving this goal.
Addressing the Housing Crisis
This year, I hope to see tangible steps toward resolving Brampton’s housing crisis. Streamlining housing approvals, reducing construction costs, and prioritizing affordable, family-friendly developments near transit hubs are critical goals. My aspiration is to see smarter land-use policies implemented in 2025, creating a foundation for sustainable and inclusive growth.
Strengthening Budget Advocacy
In 2025, I look forward to continuing meaningful engagement in budget consultations at all levels of government. My goal is to secure commitments for key infrastructure and economic development projects, ensuring Brampton’s priorities are reflected in provincial and federal budgets. Aligning tax policies with local needs will remain a central focus.
Building Brampton’s Voice
This year, I am excited to start our BBOT podcast, sparking conversations on advocacy priorities and deepening civic engagement. I aim to release our whitepaper on transportation to inspire critical thinking and community collaboration on key transit priorities like two-way, all-day GO, BRT, and much more. My aspiration is for 2025 to be a year where Brampton’s narrative shifts positively, addressing negative perceptions and fostering a vibrant civic culture.
Enhancing Civic Literacy and Federal Engagement
With a federal election on the horizon, 2025 is an opportunity to strengthen civic literacy in Brampton. I hope to empower residents to engage with local candidates on the issues that matter most and to better understand our electoral and governmental systems. My aspiration is to lay the foundation for a more informed, engaged, and active electorate in Brampton.
Looking to 2025 and Beyond
In 2025, I aim to lay the groundwork for long-term growth by advocating for greater investment in industry, enhanced skills development and acquisition, and sustainability in postsecondary education. My hope is to help position Brampton as a leader in these areas, ensuring we are prepared for the opportunities and challenges ahead.
My hope is that in 2025, we expand our reach and deepen our impact, ensuring Brampton’s voice continues to be heard on the issues that matter most. We will certainly have a new Prime Minister, and it is my hope that they can recognize that the future of Canada, in many ways, is Brampton. I look forward to working with new leadership to make 2025 a transformative year.
