MPP Michael Mantha’s NEWS FROM THE PARK

Written by MPP Michael Mantha on 12 October 2012

Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Mike Mantha

ALGOMA-MANITOULIN, ON – After a busy few months in the legislature, the House rose this week for MPPs to spend some time in their ridings. Given the size of Algoma-Manitoulin, it is difficult for me to be everywhere at once, so I decided to hold constituency clinics in the northern part of the riding this week and I will be holding them in the southern part next month.

I had the opportunity to meet with several constituents and assist them on a wide range of issues. I started the week at Pic Mobert First Nation, and was in Manitouwadge on Tuesday afternoon. Wednesday was a busy day with White River in the morning, Hornpayne then Dubreuilville in the afternoon. Thursday I had an opportunity to meet up with folks in Wawa and Chapleau. Over and over again I heard northerners concerned about recent cuts and job losses to our Provincial Parks, Service Ontario, MNR and ONTC. These were just a few of the issues raised. It’s important for me to be engaged in the community so I can return to Queen’s Park and stand up for issues that are important to you and your community. We try to host constituency clinics whenever possible in communities across the riding, however when we are not in your community our office is still here to assist you with any issues.

In other news, several unions have announced they will be taking the Ontario Government to court over Bill 115. Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF), the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), and the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) are all launching a Charter challenge to defend the rights of working Ontarians. This legislation could end up costing the government more than $700 million.

New Democrats believe we need a solution that is affordable for Ontarians; legislation to impose contracts isn’t the answer. In Manitoba, the government was able to sit down and have conversations with public servants and reach mutually beneficial agreements. We know the same is possible in Ontario.

Back at Queen’s Park, Ontario New Democrat Leader Andrea Horwath introduced a discussion paper and plans to speak to Ontarians about how we can create good, new jobs in Ontario. New Democrats want to start a conversation at kitchen tables and boardroom tables about the kind of jobs we want to create, and how we can invest wisely in creating new jobs in Ontario. Our goal is to grow the middle class and bring stability to Ontario families.

My colleagues and I will be listening to Ontarians from all walks of life about the kinds of jobs we want to create, and how we can encourage greater investment in jobs, training, and the economy. If you are interested in reading our consultation paper please visit http://ondpcaucus.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/JobsConsultation.pdf/.

As always, please feel free to contact my office about these issues, or any other provincial matters. You can reach my constituency office by email at mmantha-co@ndp.on.ca or by phone at 705-461-9710/1-800-831-1899.

Michael Mantha, MPP/député
Algoma-Manitoulin