Mantha’s News from the Park : Schools & Steel

Written by MPP Michael Mantha on 29 March 2016

MPP Michael Mantha, Algoma-Manitoulin

This week yet again we see more disappointments from the Liberal government. With the potential closure of demonstration schools, the ongoing steel crisis which continues to be ignored, prescription drug costs skyrocketing and the contract with Ornge air has left the Ontarians frustrated. People who were still holding out hope for change by this government have all certainly now come to the realization that it’s not happening.

Many students in Ontario rely on the access to specialized environments however this government continues to cut special education funding to school boards. Both parents and children deserve better from this government. New democrats demanded that the Premier and Minister of Education commit to keeping our Provincial and Demonstration schools open.

The ongoing cries for help from our steel communities continue to be ignored. Eight thousand jobs as well as eight thousand pensioners are at risk. The closure of these steel mills would completely devastate communities like Sault Ste. Marie and Hamilton. We continue to demand that the Premier meet with creditors, pensioners, unions and city officials and address this crisis and take some action rather than deflecting to their federal counterparts.

Seniors in their province deserve respect; they deserve to retire in dignity. However many in our aging population have found themselves to be in vulnerable situations. Those living on fixed incomes are most at risk as the cost of prescription medications could more than double. Seniors deserve better and the Wynne Liberals continue to ignore their needs and fully realize how dire the situation could become for many.

To add to the mounting disappointment Ontarians are experiencing with the Wynne government, shady business in relation to Ornge Air Ambulance seems to have resurfaced. It has been four years since the police started investigating and thoroughly researched different companies affiliated with Ornge, yet the Ornge Company was just here at Queen’s Park to sign a new lease deal to rent another helicopter it what appears to be another kickback deal. There is no logical reason the government should be dealing with a company that has been the subject of a long investigation. We see again and again that the Liberal Government tends to pad the pockets of their wealthy well connected friends.

Ontarians want a government that’s honest, listens and most importantly addresses their needs. Seniors deserve to be treated fairly, all children should get the education they deserve, and all government business should be done in a transparent manner.

As always, please feel free to contact my office about this issue, 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.

MPP Michael Mantha, Algoma-Manitoulin