United Way in Northwestern Ontario is looking to alleviate a multitude of social issues plaguing the province and wants the government to help.
United Way leaders addressed an open letter to Premier Doug Ford and his cabinet Tuesday, recommending four issue areas to focus on together — Housing Security, Income Security and Inclusive Employment, Inclusive Communities and Support for the Social Services Sector.
The hope is to address what they call the unignorable hurdles to a strong and vibrant Ontario, especially through the current crisis of affordability.
“Here in Northwestern Ontario, issues of homelessness, poverty, mental health and addictions are amplified, specifically in our rural communities,” stated Albert Brulé, the regional CEO of United Way. “We look forward to working with Premier Ford’s government to tackle these issues, with a focus on underserved and Indigenous communities in the region and across the province.”
The leaders acknowledged positive steps made by the government through specific public policy like the Homelessness Prevention Program and the $13.2 billion childcare agreement with the federal government but encourage Premier Ford and Ministers to do more.
