Read our open letter to Ombudsman of Ontario regarding MPP Sam Oosterhoff and overreach into St. Catharines municipal governance through political and familial relationships in the recent repeal of the graphic images bylaw.
This week, the City of St. Catharines repealed a graphic image bylaw under pressure by a legal challenge that is being spearheaded by the Association for Reformed Political Action (ARPA). We would like to see an investigation regarding a potential conflict of interest, and whether the legal action against the City of St. Catharines is being acted upon using public resources from an incumbent Niagara MPP.
MPP Oosterhoff has a documented history of involvement with ARPA events, and the Niagara chapter of ARPA operates out of the local church he attends, the Spring Creek Canadian Reformed Church.
Furthermore, one of the primary applicants in this lawsuit, Mr. David Broere, is a significant donor to MPP Oosterhoff.
His lead legislative staff person, Mr. Michael Zweip has been actively involved in organizing and fundraising for ARPA.
His brother, Mr. Aaron Oosterhoff, was appointed vice-chair of ARPA’s national organization just 28 days before this litigation was initiated against the City of St. Catharines, challenging a by-law banning flyers with images of fetuses from being delivered to homes without a warning label.
