Brampton’s beef with its neighbours over the future of regional government in Peel has escalated into a letter-writing campaign.

In 600 words sent to Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, Mayor Linda Jeffrey restates the city’s position on increasing the number of seats Brampton holds at Peel Region council from seven to 11 members for the start of the next council term in 2018.

“The people of Brampton cannot wait any longer, we need you to act now to do what is both right and fair for Brampton residents and ensure their voices are equally represented at the Region in time for the 2018 municipal election.”

During Wednesday’s council meeting, city leaders criticized the provincial government’s lack of decisive action on a hugely divisive issue for Brampton, Mississauga and rural Caledon.

At more than 600,000 people, and faced with critical issues, from how to boost its economy, to improving important services such as transit and health care, to establishing its first university, local politicians argue Brampton needs greater representation at the regional level.

Brampton’s population is expected to hit 900,000 by 2041.

However, the city’s more populous neighbour to the south, Mississauga, will not support a solution that sees it lose a majority position on regional council. Jeffrey’s counterpart in Mississauga, Bonnie Crombie, has continued along the line of her predecessor, Hazel McCallion, on getting rid of regional government altogether.

Jeffrey, who was Ontario’s municipal affairs minister before winning the mayor’s chair, agreed with councillors Wednesday that after several attempts at a resolution, including a failed facilitation process, the city must continue to lobby Queen’s Park directly for action.

In her letter to the premier, Jeffrey, on behalf of council, requests “an urgent meeting” with Wynne “to discuss the potential legislative changes required to ensure our City is fairly represented at the Region of Peel (Region) and that these changes are made before the legislature rises in December.”

Peel council is composed of 12 Mississauga councillors, seven from Brampton, five from Caledon, plus an appointed regional chair.