By MPP Bobbi Ann Brady
Our recently elected federal leader has a lot on his plate in terms of finding affordability for Canadians. As I write this column, I don’t know who that person is.
Across the country there’s no relief from the high cost of living—food, fuel, clothes on our backs, and a roof over our heads. Many of us run a tight ship financially, but when we’re making the same money while the things we require keep getting more expensive, it’s beyond our control. It’s time government gets creative to put some kind of ceiling on these costs.
At Queen’s Park, I’ll be supporting any legislation that will actually save you money, not just window dressing. $200 cheques in four years doesn’t quite cut it in my books.
On top of that, I will be urging my federal counterparts to make this a serious priority and partner with the Ontario government in any way they can.
The recent Ontario Throne Speech kicked off the 44th Parliament of Ontario with some decent ideas, however, there were missed opportunities such as tax cuts and major red tape reduction. It just makes sense if we cut taxes, reduce red tape, and get out of the way of the people of Ontario, it bodes well for the future.
I’ll also continue pushing for the creation of a standing committee dedicated to agriculture and rural affairs. I’ve asked all the key Queen’s Park power players for this but that being said, there was nary a mention of agriculture in the Throne Speech.
H-N is criss-crossed with roads. How about getting red tape off the roads? Lately, I’ve been told of the hoops through which drivers have to jump to get a vehicle on the road. Not everyone can afford a new car or truck, but they need to get to work. Premier Ford would mock NDP leader Marit Stiles by suggesting she believed owning a car was a luxury. So, get out of the way Mr. Ford because in Haldimand-Norfolk we can’t stand on the corner and wait for a streetcar or a bus. We need our vehicles, and we need them quickly and affordably.
Rents and the cost of homes are stratospheric. Canada makes worldwide news about our housing crisis. A quick media scan shows articles by the BBC, New York Times, and as far away as Australia.
It doesn’t stop at housing costs, let’s talk small business costs: I just received an email from my friends at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. They say, among other serious issues, tax/regulatory, insurance, wage, fuel, and occupancy costs continue to rate as the top cost constraints for Ontario small businesses. We need jobs and when small business thrives, they create jobs. Again, for all of this, Premier Ford and Prime Minister elect, get it done!
We now have a federal government in place, we have a refreshed Ontario government in place, we’ve had a recent municipal byelection. I will continue full dialogue with all of these leaders as we do what you want us to do, make life easier and more prosperous for all of us.
You have my assurance that I will continue to be your affordability advocate.
Bobbi Ann Brady is the MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk