News that Mississauga is seriously considering separating from the Region of Peel, has drawn harsh criticism from Brampton Mayor Linda Jeffrey.

In a statement released Thursday afternoon, Jeffrey said Brampton taxpayers have contributed to the growth and development of Mississauga for more than 30 years through the regional system.

“Brampton was there to help Mississauga as they grew and built out and now as infrastructure investments are needed in Brampton our largest partner wants to cut and run,” Jeffrey said.

On Wednesday, Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie and Mississauga Council gave the go ahead for a study to determine if that city should cut ties with the Region of Peel.

Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon recently agreed to a facilitation process to determine size and allocation of seats at the Region of Peel.

This process was supposed to be a fair and equitable way to settle the representation debate that has been raging at the Region for years and addresses the growing needs of each municipality, Jeffrey added.

Mississauga’s move on Wednesday flies in the face of that good faith agreement, according to Jeffrey.

“We all recognize that there will inevitably be different perspectives and interests at stake, but initiating a costly facilitation process while at the same time seeking to leave the Region is not only disingenuous, but a frivolous use of Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga taxpayer’s money,” she insisted.

Jeffrey went on to suggest Mississauga’s growth and development is as a direct result of their participation in the Region of Peel and the billions of dollars contributed by Brampton taxpayers.

“As the Mayor of Brampton I will work toward a settlement that is in Brampton’s best interests and one that sees our city fairly compensated for the decades of investment by Brampton taxpayers to the regional system,” Jeffrey said