When Ontario voters go to the polls this October, they will not only be voting on whether a change in government is needed, they will be voting on whether a change in the way we elect the government is needed, too. A special referendum question will be placed on the upcoming provincial ballot that will ask voters whether MPPs should be elected under a new system known as "mixed member proportional" or MMP.

Monday marks the 90th anniversary of an event that not only solidified Canada's presence on the world stage, but also helped a fledgling country to forge its own national identity at home. The Battle of Vimy Ridge, considered by many to be the first real allied victory in the First World War, began at 5:30 a.m. on Easter Monday April 9, 1917. British and French forces lost more than 190,000 men trying to take the ridge prior to handing the task over to the Canadians under the command of General Sir Arthur Currie.

It is hard to believe, but the crisis in Caledonia has now passed the one-year mark. However, if you live near the occupied site, it would seem much longer. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my thoughts and deepest regrets to those families. I cannot imagine what they have been forced to endure. It was February 28, 2006, when a small group of First Nations protestors took over the construction site known as the Douglas Creeks Estates claiming that homes were being built on aboriginal land.

The Ontario PC Party hasn't always been known as "Progressive Conservative". Did you know that at the time of confederation, the Tories were actually known as the Liberal-Conservative Association? Or did you know that the party was at one time largely associated with the colour orange - currently identified with the New Democratic Party - due to its strong support in the Protestant community?

I thought I would use this column to update you on progress made on three topics featured in recent columns: my 2007 Calendar Contest, the importance of government support for small town Ontario and the Wait Times Registry for health procedures Calendars Still Available

Last week, the Ontario Government announced it would allow roofed shelters for smokers at its casinos while the same roofed shelters would be banned at bars and restaurants. The McGuinty Government initiative certainly caught Ontario residents by surprise. In fact, a diverse collection of anti-smoking groups, smokers' rights groups, and small business associations came together to harshly criticize the casino smoking shelters.

As the old saying goes, good things come to those who wait. Unfortunately, that is not helpful advice if you're waiting for surgery or an MRI. And it is particularly unhelpful when the provincial government manipulates the wait times data for political gain. Among his 231 campaign promises, Premier McGuinty said he would reduce wait times. He subsequently launched a website to track wait times in Ontario. In Premier McGuinty's words the website would provide "unprecedented transparency, accountability and care."