Waterloo Region MPPs reflect on 2015, plan for 2016

Ontario's Legislature convened for its winter break on Dec. 10, but local MPPs are not taking the break easy. Instead, they're busy taking stock of the year that was, and preparing for the new year ahead.

The Morning Show's host Craig Norris sat down with Waterloo Region's three MPPs to find out what they're thinking about as the year winds down.

Daiene Vernile, Kitchener-Centre

Looking back: Vernile says chairing the province's Select Committee on Sexual Violence and Harassment was both the best and the hardest experience of the past year, as it involved hearing "hours and hours" of heart-breaking stories from 147 witnesses.

• Anti-sexual violence bill introduced by Ontario government

Looking forward: Vernile says commitment remains "very strong" andthe government is moving "as fast as we can" to improve GO service between Kitchener and Toronto. She says the next step is for the government to come to an agreement with CN Rail over the use of a portion of rail corridor between Georgetown and Brampton.

• Two-way Kitchener GO train service thwarted by 30 km of track

The Morning Edition - K-W8:49Year-end interview with Daiene Vernile, Kitchener-Centre MPP

Kitchener-Centre MPP Daiene Vernile speaks with host Craig Norris about the year that was, and the year that will be.

Michael Harris, Kitchener-Conestoga

Looking back: Harris says he is disappointed by how long it is taking the Liberal government to make good on a promise to improve GO service to the region, adding that two extra trains heading to Toronto in the morning is "not enough" to encourage development in the region.

• More GO trains 'not a real solution:' Thalmic CEO Stephen Lake

Looking forward: Harris sayslight rail transit remains a contentious issue in the region and would like to see the first phase completed before steps are taken to expand the service to Cambridge. He says the local governments need to put forward a "clear business case ... to justify Phase 2."

• Waterloo Region could get funding for LRT phase 2, says Kathleen Wynne

The Morning Edition - K-W7:09Year-end interview with Michael Harris, Kitchener-Conestoga

Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Michael Harris speaks with host Craig Norris about the year that was, and the year that will be.

Catherine Fife, Kitchener Waterloo

Looking back: Fife says the Liberal government's attention on beer sales and marijuana is misguided, noting that Ontario is dealing with more pressing issues, including a "serious housing shortage."

• Social housing shortage needs urgent attention from all governments, municipalities say

Looking forward: Fife continues to oppose the Liberal government's decision to sellHydro One, saying the Financial Accountability Officer's latest report suggests the province will lose money in the sale and, as a result, the sale "doesn't make any financial sense."

• Hydro One: 6 reasons why the sale is going to happen

The Morning Edition - K-W7:14Year-end interview with Catherine Fife, Kitchener Waterloo MPP

Kitchener Waterloo MPP Catherine Fife speaks with host Craig Norris about the year that was, and the year that will be.