This week in the @theparisindependent and on my own blog, I share why I think you -should- run for office, as a counterpoint to my article a few weeks back on the barriers keeping people from running for office.

In this week's @theparisindependent, I wrote an editorial about the upcoming municipal election, and the declining participation in our democracy. Local elections are important, and we need both more great people running for office and everyone participating in electing these great people.

The invitation to bring American style "Castle" laws into our country would be a grave mistake, and perpetuate the same type of violence against minority groups, in particular racialized folks, that it does in the US.

The funding the County of Brant dedicated in this year's budget towards several Gender-Based and Intimate Partner Violence service providers continues to go to great use in our community, supporting rural residents. Thank you to SAC Brant for the important work you do.

Check out my latest piece on Bill C-5, how it relates to Ontario's Bill 5 and similar legislation, and how we cannot tolerate our governments utilizing a crisis to bypass democracy, ignore environmental protections, and not give Indigenous treaty holders their constitutional rights to consultation.

🚨 Councillor Lukas Oakley is bringing forward a motion to oppose Ontario’s Bill 5, calling it a threat to local governance, Indigenous rights & environmental protections. 🗓️ Brant County Council debates it Tues, June 25 at 6PM. Public delegations welcome. #BrantCounty #ONpoli #Bill5

This morning at our Administration and Operations Committee, we received a report from staff on the potential impacts of Bill 5 on the County of Brant.

Today, we had our Pride Flag raising at Council Chamber. We were joined by many members of our community to share in this moment where we come together to show support of the 2SLGTBQIA+ people who live in the County of Brant.

Hello folks, I am trying out a new way to connect with constituents for longer form articles, such as my conference recaps and opinion pieces that I have submitted in the past to our local papers, as well as new pieces. Please feel free to check it out!

Happy Pride Month! Make sure you come join us on June 9th at 1pm outside council chambers to celebrate with us as we raise the pride flag. Also make sure you follow Brant Pride and Brantford Pride for local events that celebrate the season and support local 2SLGBTQIA+ folks!

This week, the provincial legislature is geared to pass both Bill 5 and Bill 6, controversial bills that have been met with significant opposition. I wrote a letter to the editor to several of our local papers to encourage you to learn more about these problematic pieces of legislation.

During the resolutions plenary of #FCM2025, I was happy to speak in favour of a resolution supporting Canada Post remaining a fully public service, and exploring expanding services like postal banking. @cupwsttp.bsky.social

I was glad to be back on @jakelandau.ca's podcast to talk politics! Check it out and thanks for having me on!

It's budget day in Ontario, and while it's going to take me a little while to dig through and formulate my full thoughts, I am excited to see that the Brant-Brantford hospital project is in the 2025 budget to move forward to the next stage!

This evening, council unanimously supported my bid to join the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Board of Directors. Thank you to Councillor Chambers and Councillor Bell for moving and seconding the resolution.

Today's the day folks, it's Election Day! Polls are open from 9:30am to 9:30pm, make sure you get out there to vote! You can check your polling location at www.elections.ca and make sure to bring ID!

Today is the solemn Day of Mourning for those killed or injured on the job. Everyone who goes to work should return from work safely, it is that simple.

This evening at tonight's council meeting I will be presenting a Notice of Motion (to be debated on May 13th) to request that the Council of the County of Brant endorse me to run for election to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) board.

Today, the province of Ontario announced that they would be expanding the list of municipalities with access to strong mayor powers to 169 more municipalities, including the County of Brant.

Happy Transgender Day of Visibility! 🏳️‍⚧️

This week, myself and other members of the County of Brant council will be here at the annual Good Roads conference.

Today, we had our first full meeting with our new voting software, enhancing the Council of the County of Brant's transparency with the electorate.

There is an hour left in the polls today folks, get out there and make your voice heard! If you are in line at 9pm, you can stay in line to vote!

Today is Election Day! Ensure that you get out today to exercise your democratic right and civic duty and cast a ballot in this provincial election. From 9am to 9pm polls will be open, and you do not need your voter card, simply some form of photo ID.

This is important: A prospective Ford government has signalled its intention to expand prisons and put homeless people in jail rather than build the housing that people need and that is their fundamental right. I don't want a province that makes people homeless then throws them in prison.

This is immensely disappointing that the Ontario PC's have recommitted to violating the rights of homeless people and criminalizing homelessness. We must put public pressure on the PC's to recognize the rights of homeless people and commit to an ethical Housing-First approach.

Thank you to our local media for covering this important issue. We desperately need a Housing-First approach to homelessness and criminalizing those in need is both cruel and ineffective.

Did you know that you can vote anytime at the returning office? (225 Henry St Bldg 1) I just cast my own ballot for this provincial election today! Advanced Polls also start tomorrow (February 20th-22nd) from 10am-8pm in several locations throughout the County and City!

The @ontariondp.bsky.social have the only platform to address encampments, which party leader Marit Stiles addressed in last night's debate. It includes: - 60K supportive housing units - Uploading shelter funding to the province from municipalities - A full suite of rent control - Doubling ODSP/OW

Last night, @ontarioliberal.bsky.social @bonniecrombie.bsky.social criticized invoking the Notwithstanding Clause against homeless people. She stopped short of refusing its use altogether. The Liberal platform includes: - Doubling ODSP/OW - Phased-in rent controls - An emergency fund for renters

Last night, @ontariogreens.bsky.social leader @mikeschreiner.bsky.social both supported the NDP's encampment plan and criticized the PC's criminalization of homelessness. The Green's platform includes: - 60K supportive homes - 250K non-profit homes - Modular housing - ⬆️ funding for women's shelters

🧵 Homelessness is out of control in Ontario. And a lot of that is because of a lack of investment in the solution to homelessness: affordable housing. But just what is Ontario doing to address the homelessness crisis? /1

Doug Ford of the @ontariopcparty.bsky.social refuses to address other party leaders speaking about his party's history of criminalizing homelessness. Instead, he deflects his comments to supporting police.

We have already heard @ontariondp.bsky.social reject the use of the Notwithstanding Clause to clear encampments. They remain the only party to have policy specific to reducing and supporting encampments as part of their electoral platform. www.qpbriefing.com/news/stiles-...

@ontariogreens.bsky.social's Mike Schreiner has also taken a stance against criminalizing homelessness. Again, we'll be pushing for a clear commitment to ensure the protection of homeless people's Charter rights. #ONpoli #Debate

We just heard it in the debates: @ontarioliberal.bsky.social's leader, Bonnie Crombie, just said that she rejects the use of the Notwithstanding Clause to clear #encampments. We'll be pushing for this in policy, and a rights-compliant approach to homelessness. #ONpoli #Debate

... and let's get more letters to candidates and party leaders! Let them know that homeless people's rights matter in this election: homelessrights.ca/get-involved

We're off with a bang! With media coverage across Ontario and hundreds of letters sent to election candidates and party leaders, Ontario is letting politicians know that homeless people and their human rights are important to us!

Today, I launched an advocacy group and election campaign with @ocrhp.bsky.social. We demand that the next provincial government: - Commit to building the housing people need/deserve - Uphold homeless people's rights - Have a compassionate plan to reduce homelessness homelessrights.ca/get-involved

We are calling on all parties to commit to a housing first policy and uphold the rights of our unhoused neighbours. Email your candidates and join the coalition to stand up for Ontario. #ONpoli

"I’m struggling to hold on to my housing — but Ontario let go long ago." The average rent in Ontario is $2,329. We need real rent control and investments in affordable housing. And we need a provincial government who will do it. https://homelessrights.ca/get-involved #OurHomesOurRights

All levels of government must do more to address the homelessness crisis across Ontario — especially our next provincial government that will be elected on February 27th. This is why I have joined the Ontario Coalition for the Rights of Homeless People, and why we are launching an election campaign.

NEW PODCAST: This week's episode of It's Getting Pretty Late is now live, featuring Councillor @lukasjoakley.bsky.social of the County of Brant! Listen as we talk about his work on Council, and this week's headline topics! www.jakelandau.ca/p/episode-02...

Brant County’s 1st speed camera is going live: Where, when and how much are tickets?

Next week is the final green or red light on the proposed Central Branch Library. Final tender price is 35M with final project costs at 41M. This will be the final decision on this vision for the project, if you feel strongly for or against, register as a delegation or email me

I was pleased to represent the County of Brant this year at #ROMA2025, along with several of my County colleagues. We met eight different Ministries and Parties collectively, four through our partners at SCOR EDC, and four delegations for the County itself.

For the beginning of this week, myself and my council colleagues are at #ROMA2025, the rural municipal conference. We have a variety of delegations booked with ministers and their staff. I look forward to providing a recap when I return!

I've just received my budget Binder for our 2025 budget process, of which the meetings start next Thursday. I gave some preliminary thoughts in tomorrow's edition of the Paris Independent as part of their 2024 review (written before reading the contents of this binder).

Too left? No. People are rejecting neoliberalism, which has co-opted the language of the left to mask policies built upon deficit thinking, fiscal austerity, deregulation, and privatization. Now that language is seen as a lie, and anyone using it — even the sincerely left — are seen as liars.

The official statement from Mayor Bailey in regards to @CityofBrantford Mayor Davis' direction to investigate amalgamation. Cooperation is a two-way street, and any investigation into shared regional services must be done in good faith and with cooperation of all parties.