RICHTER GETS LOCAL SCHOOL UNION ENDORSEMENTS, AS FORD ACCUSED OF ‘ABANDONING NORTH’
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
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This election is a teaching moment, one that local candidate Matt Richter expects to benefit from in part as he gets the endorsement nod tomorrow from two school union locals.
The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) Near North Teacher Local and Trillium Lakelands and Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) District 4 – Near North teacher/occasional teacher bargaining units will make it official tomorrow morning in Huntsville where Richter is a teacher at Riverside Public School.
This as Trump was omnipresent at today’s Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities debate in North Bay where Doug Ford defended his trip to D.C. on behalf of Ontario and the North.
He said northern Ontario minerals are “at the heart of this battle for our lives.”
Party opponents called that nonsense.
Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner also said Ford’s government has abandoned Northern Ontario.
“Because of Doug Ford, housing starts are at an all-time low and housing costs are at an all-time high. We have a whole generation of young people wondering if they’ll ever be able to afford a home.
“Greens are going to fight for generational fairness and remove red tape so we can get serious about building fourplexes and four stories. We’re going to bring back protections for renters and build the 332,000 affordable and supportive homes municipalities are asking for.”
And “people who are struggling need housing and healthcare, not jail,” said Schreiner, also reaching out to those with mental health issued. “I know the people of Ontario care about their neighbours. I want us to address the crisis of caring by providing people with the supports they need.”
“As Premier, I will invest in Northern Ontario. I’ll listen to communities. I’ll bring down the cost of living and increase opportunities for families to get ahead. I’ll build it up so young people don’t have to leave the North.
He said life is more expensive than ever. It’s harder to find a home you can afford, to get a family doctor, or to pay for your groceries.
“Liberals and Conservatives have neglected the North, taking resources out without putting anything back into Northern communities.”
The NDP’s poll-trailing Marit Stile said “Liberals and Conservatives have neglected the North, taking resources out without putting anything back into Northern communities.
“Seven long years of Doug Ford has cost the North.
“I’ll bring down the cost of living and increase opportunities for families to get ahead. I’ll build it up so young people don’t have to leave the North.
“Life is more expensive than ever. It’s harder to find a home you can afford, to get a family doctor, or to pay for your groceries.”
Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie attacked Fords cuts to addiction services.
She spoke passionately about her biological father who suffered from “mental health and addiction.”
Ford replied he could empathize knowing his own family experiences.
But he also said Crombie was too taxing as Mississauga mayor and criticised her housing efforts there. She said he “failed” to deliver on his housing promises.
CANDIDATE DEBATE FEB 19:
The Retired Teachers of Ontario, Unit 6-1 has organized an All Candidates Meeting to be held on Feb. 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the South River Arena in South River. All registered candidates have been invited.
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