MPP Smith needs to get informed

Re: Referendum on private surgeries a ‘stunt’: Peterborough—Kawartha MPP Dave Smith, May 27

MPP Dave Smith has an unfortunate propensity for both passively and actively insulting his Peterborough constituents.

It is an insult and a publicity “stunt” to see Smith step into the limelight basking in credit for initiatives that benefit the Peterborough area, but that he had absolutely no part in launching.

It is a passive insult and a slap in the face of international conservationists that Smith has, despite numerous requests, not given any support to the Catchacoma Forest conservation initiative in his own backyard. This despite the fact that any responsible action on his part would be low-hanging fruit.

Here’s Merriam-Webster: “Referendum is the principle or practice of submitting to popular vote a measure passed on or proposed by a legislative body.”

Now here’s Merriam-Webster on “stunt”: Something “performed or undertaken chiefly to gain attention or publicity.”

The Ontario Health Coalition referendum revealed huge support for maintaining an economical and comprehensive public health care system. Those results indicate heartfelt concern for the well-being of Ontario citizenry.

I think Smith would be well advised to get informed on the difference between referendums and stunts, and then do some self-reflection. Peter Currier, Peterborough