The Citizens of Northern Ontario have suffered much from the effects of this pandemic, like us all, however, they have social and economic problems uniquely theirs. While having a smallish population compared to the greater province, they have suffered a lack of various services that are amplified by the many northern community’s isolations and distance from what is perceived as the center of Ontario’s Universe, namely Toronto.
Employment in Northern Ontario is not the problem. Filling the many vacated positions are. Furthermore with the increased demand for employees comes the growth of the community, a population growth that has not been taken into account by any of Ontario’s Political Parties.
1. Affordable Housing is non-existent. While the Liberal and Conservatives are leaving this void to be filled by free enterprise, Andrea Horwath’s N.D.P. and Mike Schreiner’s Green Party are calling upon the government for tax breaks and financial input to instigate housing starts. While this problem of housing development has been with us for many years, the NDP believes their financial input will kick start a building frenzy. The average wage in Northern Ontario is $15-25 dollars an hour. New homes will certainly lay beyond many citizens’ financial reach, just as it does near Southern Ontario. Without the direct involvement of Ontario’s Government in the building of affordable homes, this historic housing deficiency will remain.
Medical Services are limited in the north. Not enough medical staff overall. The NDP promise to hire over 300 new doctors and much more staff for the north hospitals and clinics, along with all the support they need. That means better wages and housing for these doctors, nurses and medical professionals. However, Andrea Horwath does not explain how her plan will keep these medical professionals in the north. Doctors, nurses and other professionals often move to brighter financial pastures in the south. Not one politician explains how they can keep these needed professionals in our Northland.
Andrea has also promised to invest billions into the north’s ageing infrastructure. Time will tell whether this could happen. There is an unmentioned competition in Ontario between the South(GTA) and our Northland. Politicians will support the area with the most and greater population and riding too. Ontario Politics rotate around Toronto, not Thunder Bay, North Bay or Timmins. Does Andrea Horwath, Doug Ford, Stevie D or Mike Schreiner not realize this reality? The leader’s debate in North By happens tonight. Will these leaders show a true understanding and respect for our neighbour’s in the North, or will they simply rehash the promises made earlier in the day?
Steven Kaszab
Bradford, Ontario
[email protected]
