Episode 18: Votes No To Bills That Can Make A Difference. I'm Speaking Up.

Guest article written and researched by Peterborough Constituent Jessica C:

This post took this Constituent hours and hours and hours of research and documentation. At the end of this post, you will find sample screenshots validating these votes and statements by Peterborough MP Michelle Ferreri, as found in the official Parliamentary record, Hansard.

Losing Respect for Someone Is a Fickle Thing

I used to respect Michelle Ferreri. In fact, I even looked up to her. I remember seeing her for the very first time at an event in Peterborough years ago where she was the keynote.

"She's been a woman in the media industry for over a decade", I remember thinking. "Wow. That’s impressive."

She was one of the people who inspired me to be myself - and to speak up for things I care about.

But my respect for her? I've lost it over time. I want to be clear: this isn’t an episode of Mean Girls. And I’m definitely no Lindsay Lohan.

But Here's Why Speaking Up Is Important to Me

My value system is built on humility, compassion, empathy, strong character and moral grounding. These are the principles I hold close in my life. They guide the way I lead, how I treat people, and perhaps most important: how I expect our elected officials to use the power we gave them with both their words and their actions.

So, Let’s review Ms. Ferreri's Voting Patterns (Her Actions)

When it mattered most, Ms. Ferreri voted against the very things that could have made a difference to have long-lasting impacts for the planet, for affordability, women’s rights, health-care, and food insecurity.

Here's a record of things Ms. Ferreri voted against:

·        Against Bill C-322 National School Food Program: This bill aimed to establish a national school food program to address food insecurity among students. Ms. Ferreri voted against it, failing to support an initiative that could help alleviate hunger for children in need.

·        Against Bill C-31 Dental Care and Rental Housing: Bill C-31 proposed important measures to make dental care more accessible and provide rental housing support for Canadians. Ferreri voted against it, denying assistance to those struggling with rising costs in these critical areas.

·        Against Bill C-78 Cost-of-Living Relief: This bill sought to provide cost-of-living relief to struggling Canadians, yet Ms. Ferreri voted against it, disregarding the financial strain many families were facing.

·        Against Bill C-226 Environmental Racism: This bill was designed to address environmental racism by taking action on the disproportionate impact of pollution on Indigenous and racialized communities. Ms. Ferreri voted against it, which calls into question her commitment to environmental justice.

·        Against Bill C-245 -Canada Infrastructure Bank Act Amendment: This bill proposed changes to the Canada Infrastructure Bank Act to better invest in sustainable projects. Ferreri voted against it, refusing to support infrastructure investments that could have long-term benefits for Canadians.

·        Against Bill C-50 Climate Accountability: Ms. Ferreri voted against Bill C-50, which sought to hold the government accountable for meeting climate targets. This is another missed opportunity to ensure Canada takes stronger action on climate change.

·        Against Bill C-64 -Pharmacare: Bill-64 proposed implementing universal pharmacare in Canada to ensure all Canadians had access to essential medications, including insulin and supplies for managing diabetes—a condition that, if left untreated, can lead to blindness, amputations, and even death. The bill also aimed to reduce financial barriers and address gender inequality by providing affordable birth control for women who could not otherwise access it. Ms. Ferreri voted against the bill, opposing a measure that would have made healthcare more accessible and affordable for all Canadians.

·        Against M-110: A National Strategy to Reduce Food Waste and Combat Food Insecurity: Ms. Ferreri voted against a motion calling for a national strategy to reduce food waste and tackle food insecurity.

·        Against the 2nd Reading of Bill C-223 (Guaranteed Livable Basic Income Framework): This bill proposed the development of a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income to combat poverty. Ms. Ferreri voted against it, denying a potential solution for economic hardship faced by Canadians.

·        Against the Motion for Closure for Bill C-35 the $10 a Day Program: This program aimed to support women’s participation in the workforce by reducing caregiving burdens that disproportionately fall on them, allowing more women to stay in or enter the workforce. Ms. Ferreri voted against it, denying women greater opportunities for workforce involvement and economic independence.

On the flip side, here are the things Ms. Ferreri voted for:

• For Bill C-29 Improving Indigenous Relations – Supported measures to improve relations with Indigenous communities.
• For Bill C-56 Affordable Housing and Groceries Act – Voted for reducing grocery prices and promoting affordable housing.
• For Bill C-22 Canada Disability Benefit – Supported reducing poverty and improving financial security for people with disabilities.
• For Bill C-323 Mental Health Services – Voted in favor of improving mental health services.
• For Bill C-380 Strengthening Plastic Pollution in Canada – Supported measures to reduce plastic pollution.

On the one hand, Ferreri supported targeted policies like the Canada Disability Benefit and mental health services, which provide immediate relief. On the other hand, she failed to support comprehensive reforms such as universal pharmacare, guaranteed basic income, and food insecurity measures (Bill C-322, C-223, and M-110)—bills essential for addressing the underlying, long-term factors like poverty and food insecurity, which overall contribute to mental health challenges. 

While she voted for measures like reducing plastic pollution (Bill C-380), which tackles a visible issue, she opposed broader, more impactful environmental action, such as Bill C-50 on climate accountability, which holds the federal government accountable for climate targets, and Bill C-226 on environmental racism, which addresses deep-rooted systemic problems. 

Similarly, while she supported protecting pregnant women from violence, she voted against the $10-a-day childcare program that promotes gender equality by reducing caregiving burdens on women.

By prioritizing short-term solutions over the systemic reforms we need, Ms. Ferreri’s approach risks allowing the issues to persist without effectively addressing them, leaving us stuck in a cycle of temporary band-aid fixes rather than achieving long-term progress.

 Now let’s Turn to Her Character (Her Words)

Unfortunately, her votes are only part of the story for me. The next is her character. Ms. Ferreri has consistently  shown a lack of empathy and humility.

Example 1: Claiming the Cost of Living Crisis is “Driving Parents to Traffic their own Children”
In August 2024, Ms. Ferreri posted an inappropriate message on X (formerly Twitter), claiming that the cost-of-living crisis was driving parents to traffic their own children. The statement was met with backlash, leading her to delete the post and issue a half-hearted apology, admitting her words were "inartfully worded."

Example 2: Disrespect for LGBTQ+ Rights and Inclusivity
One particular incident occurred when she filmed herself walking into a federal public washroom. She mocked the presence of tampons in the men’s bathroom. The tampons were part of a government initiative to provide menstrual products in public spaces for those who need them. This was an important step towards inclusivity.
Ms. Ferreri undermined the rights and dignity of transgender and non-binary individuals who might use these products.

Example 3: Video Expressing “Empowering Women Diminishes Men”
Perhaps the most telling moment for me came from a video Ms. Ferreri published claiming “empowering women diminishes men." These words, spoken by someone who had once inspired women to be fearless and take up space, felt like a betrayal. To suggest that lifting women up somehow pushes men down—is not just wrong…
It’s dangerous.

Example 4: Asking for food donations at her political rally
Ferreri’s approach to community engagement has also raised my eyebrows. At one of her political rallies, she publicly asked attendees for food donations. On the surface, this may have seemed like a charitable gesture.
But the real question I have is: 

Why did  Ms. Ferreri, a politician with the power to vote on policies aimed at addressing food insecurity (Bill C-322, C223, and M110), choose to ask for donations instead of voting in favor of those very changes while she was in office? 

Example 5: Ice Storm Comments "Who Cares about the Ice Storm? We have a country to save!"
Ms. Ferreri's lack of empathy was evident during the most recent March 29th ice storm. Despite the OPP advising residents to stay home, the Weather Network calling this a "Serious Weather Event", and the City declaring an emergency, Michelle was seen campaigning and putting up signage despite the storm. This raises concerns about her prioritization of political ambitions over the immediate safety of her community, especially during an emergency situation.

Example 6: Sharing Misleading Information
Ms. Ferreri also shared an allegation that Prime Minister Mark Carney plagiarized his PhD thesis, but the claim seems misleading. How is it probable that Mark Carney could plagiarize his PhD thesis from Oxford University, one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the world, known for its strict academic standards? Founded in 1096, the university has continuously ranked highest in academic standards around the world.  Carney's supervisor, Dr. Margaret Meyer, has even refuted the claims. This showcases Ms. Ferreri’s willingness to spread misinformation.

In Conclusion:

Ms. Ferreri’s voting patterns mirror the same artificial logic we see in the pursuit of social media likes—quick fixes designed to attract attention for instant gratification.

They lack the depth and long-term approach that is necessary to create real, lasting change for our community and our planet.

And her character is one I simply can't get behind due to her lack of empathy and compassion for her constituents. 

Being a Member of Parliament is a deeply honorable and valuable position—one that demands integrity, courage, humility and conviction.  I feel she has harmed this title in Peterborough-Kawartha.

This isn't a popularity contest.
This isn't about likes and shares on social media. 
This isn't about a title or cash reward.

A leader needs to understand how their actions and their words shape the future and their communities.

For me, the loss of respect is, indeed, a fickle thing.

It is a powerful reminder that the people we trust with our votes, our hopes, and our futures must be held accountable. 

It’s time for a change.

We deserve better.

And it’s time we demand it.

Note: Here is a sample of the 423 citations where Jessica has validated statements and votes by Michelle Ferreri in the House of Commons and at Committee as found in the official record of Parliament, Hansard: