Northern Ontario continues to be ignored in plans to expand and grow the provincial economy.
That claim comes from NDP Leader Andrea Horwath.
She says nothing has been done to fix inequities between the south and north since the early 90’s.
“Northern municipalities spent two decades struggling to recover from governments that kept taking us in the wrong direction. The previous Conservative governments’ (1995-2003) billions in downloads hit small northern and rural municipalities the hardest.”
Horwath says the Ford government has continued the trend by slashing funding to several critical programs for this region.
She notes because of government inaction, local municipalities have been forced to play catch-up over the past two decades.
Horwath stresses local communities need stable, predictable, and robust funding to prosper.
The NDP Leader adds despite considerable opposition from local leaders, the premier is staying the course on one critical issue.
“He’s still cutting public health. Mr. Ford is still plowing ahead with his plan to cut and amalgamate public health units from 34 down to just 10 and push more of the costs onto municipalities.”
The original proposal suggested a merger of the Northwestern Health Unit and Thunder Bay District Health Unit.
Horwath is also calling for a provincial COVID recovery plan.
Speaking to local leaders attending the virtual Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association Conference Wednesday, Horwath commended local communities for their action in limiting the spread of the virus and keeping residents safe.
Horwath says we now deserve a provincial government that will step up and do its part.
“A government that listens to public health experts and to municipal leaders. That acts quickly, clearly, and effectively. Based on public health recommendations, the data modelling and the voices of local leaders.”
She stresses the north can play a key role in Ontario’s economic recovery.
To hear more from NDP Leader Andrea Horwath, visit the Audio link below:
