News from the Park : Aboriginal & Senior Award Recipents
Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha
This week Liberal and PC Members voted together to ensure that they could sell off public assets whenever they please. New Democrats moved an Opposition Day Motion which would protect public assets and stop any political party from a fire sale of public assets. This is the economical equivalent of robbing Peter to pay Paul. There is no foresight in these actions; they indicate nothing but a band aid solution to a long term economical challenge facing the province.
Our shared public assets are owned by Ontarians. They’re not owned by any political party of any stripe. This week the Liberals and PCs voted to treat our shared public assets like political party piggy banks. Ontarians deserve the opportunity to say ‘no’ to the Liberal privatization or sale of our shared public assets. As we speak the Liberals are getting ready to privatize the Hydro One distribution assets and local hydro utilities without even asking the people who own them. New Democrats don’t believe this is right.
New Democrats don’t see the financial wisdom of privatizing an asset that provides clear financial benefits to Ontarians, noting that statements in Hydro One’s 2013 Annual Reports show their distribution assets brought in $452 million in pre-tax revenues. Those revenues could be lost if the assets are privatized.
Economist Don Drummond looked at the Liberal budget and said it would result in 100,000 job cuts. This would be disastrous for our province, and is anything but progressive. During the provincial election Ontarians soundly rejected the Conservative plan to cut 100,000 jobs, and now the Liberals are doing the exact same thing.
ALGOMA-MANITOULIN RESIDENTS RECOGNIZED
Anawahs Migwans, stands proudly with her 2014 James Bartleman Aboriginal Youth Creative Writing Award. Submitted photo
In Other news, this week I have the pleasure of meeting a talented young woman from Algoma-Manitoulin here at Queen’s Park. Anawahs Migwans, was selected to receive the 2014 James Bartleman Aboriginal Youth Creative Writing Award.
The James Bartleman Aboriginal Youth Creative Writing Award recognises Aboriginal students for their creative writing talent. I look forward to reading Anawahs work.
John Douville (seated centre) receives the 2014 Senior Achievement Award. Submitted photo
In addition, two other individuals from Algoma-Manitoulin, John Douville and Josephine Pelletier, were selected to receive the 2014 Senior Achievement Award.
The Ontario Senior Achievement Awards honour people who have made an outstanding contribution to their community after the age of 65. Congratulations to all three!
Josephine Pelletier, receives the 2014 Senior Achievement Award. Submitted photo
This coming week the legislature is not sitting and I look forward attending many community events including Remembrance Day. On November 11th we remember and pay homage and respect to the veterans across this country. For the veterans presently with us and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice; we offer thoughts and prayers for the safe return of the women and men who are now serving. This day and everyday give thanks and extend a hand in gratitude to our veterans.
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.
