The New Democrats are the first party to come out with a plan specifically for Northern Ontario this federal election.
Timmins-James Bay candidate Charlie Angus says that includes support for the resource-based sectors.
“Our key industries, mining and forestry of course, but seen through a sustainability lens,” says Angus, “How do we deal with a resource sector that can contribute in an age of potentially catastrophic climate change?”
He goes on to say they also want a more important role for FedNor.
“It was the NDP who fought to make FedNor a stand-alone agency when the Liberals were willing to let it be run out of Mississauga. We’re saying that FedNor needs to have a strong mandate with strong funding that we have fought for every term in Parliament.”
Angus explains that another priority for them if elected, is the opioid crisis.
“We’re saying, and we’re the only party saying this, the opioid pandemic needs to be treated as a national medical emergency. We need the federal government working with communities and provinces on mental health and treatment.”
Angus says the plan also includes ending boil-water advisories on First Nations.
New Democrats highlighted five commitments for Northern Ontario:
-Making life affordable - Cover the costs for prescription medication and dental care, reduce the cost of rent and buying a home, bring down cell phone bills and bring in affordable and reliable broadband to all northern communities.
-Strengthening Northern services – Hire more nurses and doctors, protect seniors and workers by taking the profit out of long-term care, and faster and free access to mental health care and addictions services.
-Fighting for jobs and economic growth – Support small businesses and local jobs through the pandemic, ensure an independent FedNor agency is focused on investing in northern economic development and job creation, and prioritize northern steel, lumber, and minerals in infrastructure projects.
-Putting reconciliation into action - Work in partnership with First Nations to pursue reconciliation and foster thriving, resilient communities with strong public services like clean drinking water, quality housing and better health care.
-Acting on climate change – End Trudeau’s record of climate failure and multi-million-dollar subsidies to big oil companies, and instead, invest in communities to respond to wildfires, flooding, and extreme weather events.
