As part of our coverage of the Provincial By-election in the Bay of Quinte Riding this month, we are providing an opportunity for candidates to answer a set of common questions to explain some of their policies and share thoughts with local voters.
Here is the (edited) interview with Libertarian Candidate Mark Snow. The answers were edited for length only, and all candidates have the opportunity to request changes after publication if they feel that their answers were not properly summarized.
1. What are the key issues for voters in the Bay of Quinte?
During my talks with residents Health Care, Affordability, and Home ownership are the key issues across all age groups and how people are struggling across Ontario.
2. What is your opinion on the state of health care in Ontario/Quinte and what can be done to improve it?
The only way to improve Healthcare is to remove Queen Park and MOH authority by reestablishing the 14 LHINS created by Mike Harris, through decentralization in a 3 step approach:
- Empowering local LHINS by holding elections within the residents of each LHINS for the Board of Directors.
- Attach the funding allocated to each person (approx. $4820) who will direct those funds to the LHINS, this will result in an almost 40% increase to local budgets
- For larger local Hospital’s like Belleville, Picton, and Trenton, hold direct elections within the hospital and local community for the best person with a community interest at heart.
- Lastly, by taking this action, the “political parties”, will no longer have an election issue to run and promise like they have for 40 yrs to fix a system – and have not – but they have sold you on the idea they can.
3. What should be done to improve education in Ontario?
The only way to fix our highly indoctrinated culture of public education, is to empower parents with a voucher system and remove the power of politicians to make changes and empower parents.
What that looks like:
Attach the funding to the Child (approx. $12,800) as a voucher
Parents choose public or private educator
Parents can choose private school
Vouchers have ZERO cash value and are transferred quarterly to the educator
Anyone a parent trusts can be an educator – and can apply to receive funds, with proper background check – but we trust parents more the government.
There will be NO provincial curriculum, that will be left to parents and persons offering a course that meets each child’s skills sets
The 86 School boards will stay in place
4. Affordability is a major issue for many people, especially housing. What would you and your party do to help?
Our children have ZERO hope of homeownership, and we have a plan to address that, through the reinstatement of Land Patent Grants – a tool that was used to settle this country and created the generational wealth we have today.
Brief Synopsis:
- 639 Million acres of public lands
- 10% of that volume is located within 1.5hrs of the US border in Ontario (63,000,000,000 acres)
- 1-5 acres parcels in land lottery,
- must Canadian Citizen or PR
- Must occupy the land within 2 yrs
- Must have an approved waste system
- Must build a suitable dwelling within 2yrs – dwelling can mean, RV, Yurt, Tiny home, ect
- The Ontario Building Code will apply to these parcels of lands
To enact this legislation all these policies are already written, here is an excerpt on Land Patents Grants and how we intend to enact them in 2026/ Spring 27
A - Policy Proposal: Replacing the Municipal Act of Ontario with Local Governance
Introduction
The Municipal Act, 2001, has long governed the powers, duties, and structure of municipalities in Ontario. However, to foster more responsive, accountable, and community centred governance, we propose replacing the Municipal Act with a new framework that emphasizes local governance. This policy aims to decentralize authority, enhance local decision-making, and ensure that governance structures are tailored to the unique needs of each community.
Policy Objectives
Decentralize Authority: Transfer decision-making powers from the provincial level to local communities.
Enhance Local Accountability: Increase transparency and accountability in local governance.
Tailor Governance to Local Needs: Ensure that governance structures reflect the unique needs and priorities of each community.
Replacing Conservation Authorities
B- Policy Proposal: Replacing Ontario’s Conservation Authorities with Local Governance
Introduction
Conservation Authorities (CAs) in Ontario play a crucial role in managing natural resources and mitigating natural hazards. However, to enhance local accountability and responsiveness, we propose replacing CAs with a local governance model. This policy aims to decentralize authority, improve local decision-making, and ensure that environmental management is tailored to the unique needs of each community.
Policy Objectives
Decentralize Authority: Transfer decision-making powers from provincial Conservation Authorities to local governance bodies.
Enhance Local Accountability: Increase transparency and accountability in environmental management.
Tailor Environmental Management to Local Needs: Ensure that environmental policies and programs reflect the unique needs and priorities of each community.
Land Patent Grants – (Empowering our youth) – 2 parts
Reestablishing Land Patent Grants: A Path to Empowering Ontarians
Introduction
In the heart of Ontario’s rich history lies the legacy of Land Patent Grants, a testament to the province’s commitment to land ownership and development. As we navigate the complexities of modern governance, it is imperative to revisit and reestablish these grants to empower property owners, stimulate economic growth, and honor our historical roots.
Understanding Land Patent Grants
Land Patent Grants, also known as Crown Patents, are legal instruments that transfer Crown land to private ownership. These grants, issued by the Crown, include specific details about the land, the conditions of ownership, and any reservations or restrictions. Historically, they played a crucial role in the settlement and development of Ontario, providing a foundation for property rights and land use.
The Need for Reestablishment
Empowering Property Owners: Reestablishing Land Patent Grants will empower property owners by reaffirming their rights and providing clarity on land use. This move will ensure that property owners have a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities, fostering a sense of security and stability.
Economic Growth: By removing outdated restrictions and conditions from Crown Patents, we can unlock the economic potential of these lands. Property owners will have the freedom to develop and utilize their land in ways that contribute to local and provincial economies, creating jobs and stimulating growth.
Honouring Historical Legacy: Reestablishing Land Patent Grants is a way to honour Ontario’s historical legacy. It acknowledges the importance of these grants in the province’s development and ensures that their significance is preserved for future generations.
Policy Proposal: Local Issuance of Land Patent Grants by Ontario MPPs
Introduction
To enhance local governance and empower communities, we propose a policy that allows Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) in Ontario to issue Land Patent Grants locally. This policy aims to streamline the process, increase transparency, and ensure that land management decisions are made closer to the communities they affect.
5. The recent overdose emergency in Belleville was a major issue this year underlying challenges facing many communities, including homelessness. What can be done to help in these areas?
See healthcare answer – a side note, with increased funding and local control of that funding – during a crisis all power and budget rests within the community to respond quickly – unlike now.
6. Why are you running, and what is the message you want to get out to voters in this riding?
I am a Husband, Father and Veteran – I am also the Leader of the Ontario Libertarian Party. Why I am running is to bring new ideas and new Provincial Structure that empowers the People of Ontario, not it’s politicians. In a nutshell, we will decentralize Queen Parks Powers and empower the local MPP to make all Land, Environment, Planning for the residents who elected them and who they represent. This will disenfranchise the Party system, and remove power from Queens park. Obviously, this can’t happen with a by-election, and we are launching our 2026 Campaign to elect 124 MPP to enact these changes.
