Provincial politics
Baker was elected to the Ontario Legislature in 2014 as the MPP for Etobicoke Centre. [7] He served as parliamentary assistant to Minister of Finance Charles Sousa. Previously,Baker served as parliamentary assistant to Deb Matthews,president of the Treasury Board from 2014 to 2016.
His other legislative roles included parliamentary assistant to the Minister Responsible for Digital Government;commissioner,Board of Internal Economy;and vice-chair,Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. [8]
Private members' public bills
In May 2015,Baker introduced the Ontario Flag Day Act,2015,which sought to proclaim May 21 of each year as Ontario Flag Day. The bill passed with the unanimous support of all three parties. [9]
Baker also introduced the Pathways to Post-secondary Excellence Act,which would make it easier for high school students to research post-secondary educational institutions. [10] This would be done by centralizing data in the areas of admission,student experience and outcomes for recent graduates [11] ". The bill was endorsed by the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance,Canadian Federation of Students,the College Student Alliance and the Graduate Student Alliance. [12] The bill did not proceed past first reading. [13]
In 2017,Baker proposed the Phones Down,Heads Up Act,a bill to fine pedestrians between $50 and $125 for texting while crossing the street. [14] [15] The bill attracted criticism from Ontario New Democratic Party MPP Cheri DiNovo and pedestrian-safety advocacy group Walk Toronto,who argued that there is little evidence that distracted walking is a risk,and that it shifts the safety onus from drivers to pedestrians. [16]
In Etobicoke Centre,Baker hosted Community Recognition Awards annually which highlighted local individuals and organizations for making a difference in the community. [17] The awards were available in four categories;Outstanding Volunteer Service to the Community,Outstanding Volunteer Service to Seniors,Outstanding Volunteer Service to the Community by Youth and Outstanding Service by Professional Staff. [17] Approximately 30 individuals and organizations are honoured every year. [17]
An annual Government and Community Services Fair was co-hosted every year by Baker and Etobicoke—Lakeshore MPP Peter Milczyn. In 2015,the event featured more than 110 exhibitors from the provincial government,agencies and community organizations. [18]
